What to Look For In a Team Building Facilitator

Let’s face it. Whether you're fully remote, hybrid, or back-in-the-office, companies are desperate to have their team members connect. Employees want to feel valued, they want to feel included. Therefore, companies are eager to find unique ways to bring experiences to the workplace that capture a sense of community. However, it’s easy to miss the mark on a subpar event.

In order to make the most of your time, money, and resources, here are some things to look for when seeking a team building facilitator for your next team bonding event: 

1. Find someone you enjoy working with 

Although team-building experiences are important (dare we can say crucial), they’re elective. Thus, find a person or a company in which you enjoy their rapport. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to curate an event, so why not find a person whose energy you enjoy?

The positive relationship that you've built with this person or company will shine through to your employees in the event itself.

2. They communicate clearly 

In relation to finding someone you enjoy working with, clear communication is key! Find a team-building facilitator who is concise, conveys the details, and works efficiently via email.

They should possess the emotional intelligence to help the point of contact feel at ease. Processes are streamlined. Surprises are reduced and even eliminated (no one working in the events industry likes surprises). Trust is built. It’s a win for all parties. 

3. They’re warm, inviting, and inclusive 

You may have a really cool event in store, but if the facilitator is lackluster, it’s all for naught. Ask to meet with the host prior to the event for a consultation. From there, you’ll get a sense of their warmth, comfort to lead, and ability to engage an audience. You know your team best. You know what kind of host will resonate with the group most effectively. Asking for a pre-event call allows you to convey your needs, but it also allows you to get a sense of how the host will elevate the experience.

In addition to being warm and inviting, they should have an ability to include the shyer folks on your team. Creating an inclusive environment makes people feel comfortable and brings out the best in your group. 

4. They’re adaptable 

All facilitators will come in with a plan (or at least we hope). But even the most organized host with tight-nit material needs to be adaptable. They need to be able to “read the room” (or “read the Zoom” for virtual experiences) and adjust accordingly.

Some groups are more extroverted and have no problem communicating with their peers. Others may need a little more coaxing to be engaged. Some groups have known each other for years, thus the facilitator may take a step back and let the team enjoy their flow. Other groups may not know each other well at all, thus the host will need to create opportunities for make people to feel comfortable and open up. Dynamics constantly change, thus the facilitator must possess the wherewithal to adapt on the fly and roll with the group. 

5. They capture the company culture 

This is where a pre-event call or consultation is crucial. Not only do you want to vet the facilitator, but you’ll want the host to create an event that captures the company culture.

What is the mission of the company? What does your team stand for? What can be improved within your team? These are all important questions and conversations that can be discussed with the facilitator prior to the event. The facilitator will then take this information and prepare an event accordingly.

A single positive gathering for your team can help the trajectory of your group for months. Discussing any issues or morale problems pre-event can help course correct. A well-experienced facilitator will customize the experience to reflect the needs of the company. 

Finding the Perfect Fit

In conclusion, a positive team-building experience can have a ripple effect for months. The facilitator can make or break the experience, thus find someone with the energy and optimism that will be best for your team. Convey your needs and be honest. The facilitator will be impressed by your dedication to your employees.

When working in tandem with a facilitator, the magic of gathering comes to life. Communities are strengthened. Employees feel valued. Let your commitment to camaraderie shine. 

If you’re looking for some options for hosting an engaging, customized experience, we can help. Email danielle@thetrianglesessions.com today.