Summer is creeping in over the horizon! The first swallows are whizzing excitedly about overhead making their shrill sounds and announcing the beginning of the season.

Time to start thinking about the office day out and a bonding and team building event! There are loads of activities that will light the fires under the weariest of office members and get them thinking about the summer day out. Inclusive activities are always top of the team leaders lists. These range from kite surfing, canoeing, and power boating, to hill walking, spa treatments and fine dining.

Let us look at a completely different idea for the team event away this year. Consider a trip to the Gaeltach! In particular, the beautiful area of Dingle and the dingle peninsula. Get lucky with the weather and it is a most stunning experience. The team leaders and organisers will need to plan carefully for this trip. This is because,  your teams starting point will have huge bearing on travel arrangements. For instance, if your team is coming from an area on the west or south coast hiring a mini bus would be ideal.

As in any team building exercise, planning should be split up among team members as this promotes a spirit of inclusiveness and makes team members feel important. If the team is travelling from a destination farther north like Dublin or Belfast, taking the train to killarney and a coach from there to Dingle would be practical. Killarney to Dingle is a little over an hour’s drive.

The first reason that the team day out should be to Dingle has just got to be the stunning scenery.

All team members will be gob smacked as it has been described as the first place that God made. The view opens up to reveal the stunning beach at Inch on the narrow road in from Castlemaine . It is facing south west and in line with the prevailing winds. Therefore, the surf is constantly crashing in on the golden sand making it a paradise for swimmers and surfers. After a photo stop and a coffee and scone, the team then head off into the beautiful, colourful fishing town of dingle to begin their next experience.

The second reason we have chosen the area is the buzz in this marine Gaeltach town.

Beautiful little shops selling artisan products, glorious pubs where the locals converse in Irish and at the same time enjoy the craic and Irish music. Restaurants are plentiful and the quality and range of menus will satisfy the most discerning of diners. Of course the team could take a boat trip out the harbor for an encounter with the famous Dingle dolphin called Fungi

Third on our list is a trip around the Dingle peninsula.

Here the team will see the beautiful beaches at Ventry and the historical bee hive huts. They will see the Blasket islands off shore, including “The Sleeping Giant” and of course the stunning Slea head where the film “Ryan’s daughter” was shot some years ago.

The fourth buzz point is the mountain back drop dotted with stone walls and sheep.

Ruined stone cottages from the famine times are a testimony to the tragedy of our history. And, a reminder of the families that were decimated and those that emigrated. Should the budget stretch to two days, there are plenty of Hotels and guest houses in the area.

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Three stimulating reasons :

We all know the benefits that we gain from taking a leisurely walk in the countryside. The tingling feeling as the body warms up and the breathing increases. The gentle push of the breeze against your face, the sounds of the countryside, birds, cattle, farm machinery and some traffic all add to the moments of serenity and pleasure. The freedom of being out of the rat race, whether on your own or with a team training to get fitter and healthier, is of great benefit to you and your team. That’s an easy option and while very enjoyable for team training or solo recreation it will not bring on a stimulation that will leave you in a mind blowing situation. Let’s examine another team building extreme sport that will test the team and it daring qualities;

We are talking about Skydiving, also called parachuting.

There are several places in Ireland that cater for the parachuting enthusiasts and the nearest to Dublin is an area in Kildare. Generally, this sport is very much weather dependant.

Low cloud cover makes it a non event. Visibility is a key factor not just for the aircraft pilot, but for the teams participating.

Let’s be honest, there’s no point in jumping out of a plane at 10.000 feet if you can’t see the ground. The whole adrenaline rush would be lost.

We are highlighting three factors that make this team experience high on the adrenaline rush Geiger counter.

Number one is turning up at the aerodrome with all your team members and getting the feeling of trepidation as you kit out in the gear, parachute and slip on the helmet.

Gloves and goggles are supplied! Let’s be honest, this is an extreme sport and can be dangerous or fatal so qualified instructors are on hand to make sure that everything is done according to the regulations. Because there are risks means that we class it as an extreme sport. Therefore, the exhilaration that the team will experience illustrates our desire to push the boundaries out. Everything is done with military precision with no chances taken as the team enters the aircraft and prepares for takeoff.

Team leaders will say some reassuring words as the plane picks up speed and lifts off into the clear blue sky. Butterflies will begin swirling around in some stomachs, hands will become sweaty and mouths dry out. Suddenly the plane is at ten thousand feet and the instructor starts the jump sequence. No turning back at this stage as someone shouts “Geronimo” and disappears out into the great emptiness.

This is where the second great adrenaline rush kicks in as team members fall and accelerate to 120 miles per hour (terminal velocity) in less than ten seconds.

The wind rush distorts the facial features so the fear factor is not plain to see. It is an unbelievable feeling. A mixture of exhilaration, nervousness and thrilling expectation as the ground appears to rise up to meet you. The cord is pulled and the traffic slows down to a crawl. Time to draw breath and view the landscape from a place inhabited only by the birds; silence wraps you in a blanket and leaves the team in awe as the gap between feet and ground closes.

Then the third great adrenaline kicks in.

The landing is soft but the euphoria is truly hard core.

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Bigpotatoes was very impressed on a recent visit to Limerick and so we wanted to share our findings with any of you planning a team outing!

Bigpotatoes.ie has had a great input from the businesses and hot spots in the city and we are working with their advice on how to help the team leaders everywhere to bring their football, hockey, rugby and GAA teams to the Treaty city and suck up the beauty and the atmosphere. Limerick is a buzzing university city and we want to share this with you!

Limerick has everything from sizzling food to street art. As they say in the Treaty City, ‘there is something in the air in Limerick right now, so lets’ make tracks’. Making a really early start and breakfast in Limerick will give plenty of time for visiting all the sights.

1. The Big Breakfast.

This is an old fashioned Irish tradition, breakfast like a king and where better than The Canteen. Chef Paul Williams has brought a beautiful casual edge to Mallow Street. Good food, good coffee and good prices that the team will enjoy. A tip! Try the green eggs and ham, a delicious plate of poached eggs, avocado and chilli sauce topped off with bacon. Lots of other enticing options on the menu;

2. Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby.

Thomond Park is Legendary in the sports world and a fortress for the home team. Take the team on a tour of this stadium and feel what the players feel when they walk into the dressing room and out on to the pitch. Browse through the museum and get a glance of the memorabilia of some of the great players that wore the red jersey of Munster. What better way to boost team morale than to take the team to the home of legends. You might even see some players!

3. The Hunt Museum and the Limerick City gallery.

In 2014 Limerick had the honour of being Ireland’s first city of Culture. While that showcased the City it also brought attention to the wonderful historical artifacts in the above galleries. The team will witness a different side of Limerick’s culture and it could be something different for them from the norm.

4. Street art.

This will be appreciated by the whole team. Have the cameras ready for some stunning photos in Limerick. Limerick is a fun vibrant university city and there is street art everywhere. This gives the outing and the trip great energy and life. Limerick has art in spades and this will add to your amazing day out

Well, there you have it! 4 great reasons for taking your office team on a trip to limerick Your team will be talking about it for weeks!

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Bigpotatoes is working on establishing a diverse range of activities for team builders. Team building in the employment space is so important not just for the staff member but for the company as well. Team building and team leadership building encourages staff members to work in harmony. Therefore the team learn how to understand one another better. The team will benefit by having a more harmonious work space. And, the company will benefit by having more loyalty and better productivity. It’s a win, win, situation for all concerned!

Today we recommend something completely different. It will increase the heart rates of all on the team building day out. We are going to go to Falconry.

Yes, to take a bird of prey in the hand and get it to soar up into the sky. There are several falconry’s in Ireland and they all provide an excellent day out.

First a little bit of background on falconry: Falconry is a sport with a long social and historic history. It is the art of using a wild bird to attack its prey in its natural habitat. Falconry originated in Korea around 2000 BC. It spread throughout China and Japan before spreading west to Persia. From there it spread to the Arab world with the Mongol hordes of Genghis Khan. The returning crusaders brought it back to Europe. It was used more as a means of catching prey rather than just a sport at that time. Falconry flourished for centuries till the advent of firearms. It was in decline for many years until the emergence of modern falconry. This is now considered the fastest growing country sport in North America and Europe.

So, the first thing the team needs to do is select a location and make plans. It is a good idea for team leaders to divide up the responsibilities so that the whole team feels involved. At bigpotatoes we are great believers in the old fashioned map. So get a team member to purchase a map and look at the different locations. Select a location and check the booking details on their web site.

Select a day, make the booking and turn up. Corporate rates are available for business teams and team building days out.

The first exciting reason :

The first exciting reason for this day out becomes obvious very quickly when the staff introduce the team to these magnificent birds.

The most popular birds used are the Harris Hawks. The team or guests are then brought to a sparsely wooded area in the countryside where they will be given the opportunity of handling the birds and putting them through their paces.

Most of the falconry’s carry out their routines in the traditional manner. They employ techniques dating back thousands of years. They have married those skills with modern technology and they keep abreast of conservation and the welfare of their birds.

The second exciting moment :

When a team member slips on the glove and holds the falcon for the first time. That is an awesome moment.

The third exciting moment :

When the bird leaves the gloved hand. The thrill of flying your own hawk in natural surroundings.

The fourth exciting moment :

When the bird swoops down from the sky and settles on the gloved hand. It’s exhilarating stuff!

There are loads of species in the falconry. The team will enjoy their introduction! Their will be a few photo opportunities too!

Your team will love this amazing trip.

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Bigpotatoes continuously looks at alternatives for team building exercises. Many people just don’t know to start looking. Our expertise and knowledge is crucial in this regard. Bigpotatoes examines the range of activities and challenges that are available and matches them with your team building requirements. Some are high octane events. Others are physical and adrenaline pumping. More are “living on the edge” stuff. We do team building for those that want to go on tours. For teams that like marine activities. For teams that prefer quiet sedentary events. Other teams like to be chaperoned and touring is into their oil can. As we at bigpotatoes say, “its horses for courses”.

One that never fails to excite is a trip to Dublin City for the team. The range of interesting events, historical buildings and cultural occasions is huge. Train services to Dublin are from all corners of the country. So getting your team to the capital is not going to take a huge amount of effort and the team won’t spend days planning the travelling arrangements.

Again as we at bigpotatoes repeatedly say, plan, plan, plan.

Get the whole team involved in making the choices. Team leaders will ultimately make the final decision but get in with your tuppence worth, while you have a chance.

The First Reason :

The first reason that Dublin is perfect for team building is the diversity and ease of access. Take the train and arrive in Heuston station. From there take the luas to the city centre. Let the team walk over to O’Connell Street. Admire the spire; Visit the historic GPO where the Easter uprising began in 1916. The bullet marks are still visible in the outer walls. Take the team for a coffee or a light breakfast in any of the restaurants on O’Connell Street.

When the troops, meaning the team, are fed and watered take a bus out to Kilmainham Gaol. This is when the day really kicks off for the team.

The Second Reason :

The second and main reason the team has selected Dublin is the visit to Kilmainham Gaol.

The team will discover the fascinating history of the Gaol and the role it played in rallying the Irish people in the pursuit of independence. The highlights for the team are, seeing the execution site of the leaders of the 1916 Uprising. What else? A visit by the team to the Irish National War Memorial Gardens.

The team will also experience what life was like during the many Irish Uprisings. Therefore, they will hear about the historical events that changed the course of Irish History. And, everyone will first be taken on a guided walk through the famous Kilmainham Gaol! This means that they will discover the fascinating history and the role it played in rallying the Irish people to pursue independence from England and the English parliament.

Once inside the Gaol the team will hear of its dark history while walking in the footsteps of many of its inmates.  The team can learn about the Irish and English politics while the guide will tell the team more about some of its notorious prisoners including the leaders of the 1916 rising.

Many women were also incarcerated in Kilmainham

This is including Countess Markievicz, an Irish Politician and Nationalist who was awaiting execution for the part that she played in the Rising. The team will get a chance to visit the cells of some of the more infamous inmates as well as some of its youngest. The building itself has been fully restored and is a joy to visit.

The third reason is the conclusion of the team’s tour and dinner in Dublin!

Your team will be inspired and full of ideas after this trip. What better way to polish the day off with an amazing dinner in one of Dublin’s many celebrated restaurants.

Want to go further afield?! Check out our top three locations for Team Bonding in Europe!

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Sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has a lot of benefits. One of the most important industries that we have in Ireland is the tourist and hospitality business. This has lead to more hotels. Why? The increase in demand for accommodation for both local and foreign visitors. 

It’s great to be in demand! But, gone are the days when any old standard was good enough as you could cover a multitude with the coat of Irish charm. Gone are the days of pigs in the parlour and chickens on the table. Visitors want proper standards in hotels. Those standards are maintained by the hotel staff. The team behind the team at the front desk; hotel staff more than staffs in any other business have to be so diverse and operate as different teams at different points of the establishment; those different teams also have to work in harmony.

That is why team building and team leadership is critical to the success of the business. The hotel teams are all working under enormous time pressures so team breaks to rejuvenate is very important. It will be appreciated and will contribute to better work relationships in the business.

Bigpotatoes suggests that the hotel workers team should get up close and personal with nature; get outdoors and do some river or sea Kayaking!

The First Reason :

The first reason for taking the team kayaking is to get everyone outdoors and into the fresh air. Kayaking is not the first activity that would spring to mind for most team organisers but it is brilliant. The Irish times said of their trip that it was one of the most magical experiences that you could have anywhere in the world. So at bigpotatoes we would as usual advise the team leaders to involve all the team in the putting together of the trip. The south coast of Ireland is our main focus and we will highlight some of the options and the thrills.

The Second Reason :

The second reason is the absolutely beauty of the scenery as the team takes to the kayaks and head off. There are starting points at lots of different locations, but we will concentrate and recommend a few for hotel teams.

One that would suit the team would be a full day trip of Baltimore and Carbery’s hundred isles. The team, in double kayaks will paddle off into some astoundingly beautiful and remote coves, caves and islands. They will glide gracefully and silently along observing the marine wildlife, the occasional dolphin, gulls and herons. There will be schools of mackerel and raw nature at sea level. Why is this beneficial? Well, this will relax the hotel team as they will feel in a different world. And, opportunities will be presented to the team to stop for lunch and refreshments. The team will return to the mainland later. All Kayak trips are supervised by trained operators who have a deep understanding of the waters and also the dangers.

The Third Reason :

There are several other kayak trips on the coast. Our third reason is the trip in Lough Hyne. Lough Hyne is Northern Europe’s only inland saltwater lake. This is a beautiful team building trip but is tide dependant. The trip begins in the Lough and makes its way to the open sea through a short channel called “the narrows”. Once in the open sea the team will have an opportunity to explore caves and islands before returning on the tide.

The Fourth Reason :

The fourth reason is doing a river trip under the bridges of the river Lee. Cork is sometimes referred to as the Venice of the north. View the city and learn the history from the views on the river.

So, sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff has many merits indeed! Show this list to your boss or your team and they will be reaching for their paddles. Enjoy this refreshing experience and breath new life into the bonds that exist within your team.

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Five different types of personalities on a team away trip

Look at a team, any team, any discipline and take a look at the personalities involved. This will apply to all the different types of sports. Team sports and sporting bodies are filled with “Chalk and Cheese” members. It’s life. If we were all the same we’d all be Volkswagens. So we decided to have a look at the five different types of personalities on a team away trip.

So catering for such a diverse range of personalities can be a challenge to any team leader. That becomes more acute when planning an away trip. Team members no matter how good they are at their particular sport. Can be odd bods that have to be handled in a particular way.

We are looking at five different types but in those five different types there could be another five and another five on top of that of personality differences. It is not the colour of the paint, it’s the quality of the paint that matters we could say.

Then of course there is an age profile of participating members or players. And while it is now politically incorrect to differentiate on the basis of age, older bucks seem to do things in a more measured way with more planning rather than getting a rush of blood and making an irrational decision on the spur of the moment. It is called Cute Hoorism. I suppose this could define one of the five different personalities. Generally people of a same age, especially members of a team will have more in common. Than with the younger lads with no “No boundary” sign stapled to the inside of their heads.

On the field of play, the blend of youth and maturity is invaluable in the strategy of playing and executing the game plan. One is again, a little slower, more measured and has to make instinctive decision in split seconds knowing that getting it wrong does not allow for time to recover and make corrections whereas the younger, fitter and more likely lighter team player can dive into a situation knowing that if he gets it wrong he has the legs to correct the mistake.

The second type of player is what would be called the horizontal player. So laid back he is nearly parallel to the ground. Don’t be surprised if he turns up at the airport on the outward journey with just a dirty pair of boots in a plastic shopping bag and no luggage case. Cash and ID will be shoved down his arse pocket and he will be depending on borrowing a pair of shorts and socks from a team member. And “borrowing” a towel from the hotel bathroom. These laid back, “couldn’t give a tinkers curse” guys generally would nearly need a tracking device attached to the back of their necks.

Make sure that all monies due from these guys are collected before the first departure gate. A huge contrasting gap then appears between these guys. And the guy who thinks he’s the greatest player since Adam was an infant. But in reality can’t kick a ball. They usually have two pairs of everything, including boots, one with long studs, and the other with short ones. Everything is well organised and the hair is always perfect. No messing, no fooling about and drinks modestly if not a tee totaler.

This player will have his ticket paid for well in advance and can be depended on to do any task except score a goal. That said an invaluable member of the team. Then there are the regular guys who just turn up, play football, pay their bills, have a few pints and enjoy the craic. Generally these team players make up the majority of any travelling team. Yeah, all different not like the Volkswagens.

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The top three locations for a team getaway in Europe

When we look at the options for teams of footballers, rugby players, golfers, GAA players, both social and semi professional for locations in Europe as destinations for a team break, team bonding or just a team event away, the range is mighty. So, we put together the top three locations for a team getaway in Europe.

It’s a case of how long is a piece of string.

There are many factors in this equation that are worth considering and there are just as many more that are vital to the success of such an event.

The starting point for the team has to be the starting point. That may seem like an obvious statement but it infers the actual geographical point from where the team is based. As Dublin is one of the busiest airports in Europe, the range and choice of destinations for a group getaway are multiple, as against say, Cork, Shannon, Kerry, Knock or Belfast. So decisions must be made first about the exit point from Ireland and as importantly, the entrance point and the subsequent road journey back to the starting point. This is important as an away event for a team, while it is meant to refresh and recharge it can sometimes let guys wrecked after burning the candle at both ends and in the middle. Therefore, facing a long car journey back home for a team may not be the smartest trick in the book.

It is also important to note that teams travelling for a getaway break like to get a football match included in the itinerary. For that reason we will stick with the three best destinations in the UK. Flight access is good from all locations and distances home should not be a major concern.

London

Top of the list has got to be London. How many teams or team builders would turn down the opportunity of visiting one of the most iconic capitals in Europe? Secondly, there are about six premier league teams with their home grounds in London. Add in the London based championship teams and the menu for football entertainment gets huge, enough to satisfy ninety nine per cent of the group.  The range of diverse activities, sightseeing tours, museums, art galleries, hop on hop off city tours, trips down the Thames, restaurants, bars, night life is on a massive scale. Planning is important before departing so that the team is kept together.

Make a team list and get input from all team members. Spread the planning among the group of players. This will help with team building. First on the list, and this applies to all three destinations is the booking of flights.

Manchester

Second is booking and confirming accommodation. Making sure that all team members are committed by paying up front is critical, as cancelations at the last minute can have a major impact on finances and group tensions and group morale. Decide on the game that people would prefer to see and go through the proper channels to secure the tickets. These are indicators for all three destinations.

The second destination is probably Manchester as a huge amount of Irish support the reds. Liverpool could fall into this geographical area with two teams, Liverpool and Everton, both playing premier league football. Both cities are in the North West and are in close proximity to each other. This is an ideal location for a team break. With so many football enthusiasts in the area, it would only take a bit of planning to get a competitive friendly match against a local team before going on to the stadium.

Glasgow

The third option is Glasgow, home of Celtic. Celtic have magnificent stadium in a           vibrant city bursting with lots of attractions, hotels and restaurants. So you can be sure that any Irish team or group of players planning a weekend break would snap your hand off for this one.

Group planning, team bonding, team hotel booking, Team event in that order.

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The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland

Ireland is blessed to have so many options when it comes to sporting activities, team building events, team day out locations and cultural enhancing organizations at everyone’s disposal in a relatively small Island.

Our forty shades of green land on the west of Europe has gone from zero to 95 mph in record time. Facilities are modern and state of the art, event locations are properly managed and the range and diversity of events is varied and wide.

The modern office team and team builders are prepared to pay good money for service with quality. Team building, team bonding and getting employees out of the office environment for an exciting bonding, relaxing and stimulating  events all works well with team builders and also for football teams and sports people looking for an exciting well structured break.

Team getaways are so good not just for the moral of the team but for bonding, and mental well-being.

Number one on our list of top destinations for team breaks is Cork City and the surrounds.

Cork

Cork is Ireland’s third largest city and as Cork people would say, the real capital, boy. Like all the major cities in Ireland it is on the coast so a diverse range of activities in both marine and land based activities is available for teams organising a getaway. Cork is easily accessible by road from all major centers, has an international airport and a major rail network hub.

For the marine enthusiast, a choice of sailing, sea fishing, water skiing or just messing about on the river is on the Cork menu. For groups more interested in land based team building activities the range is wide. Sports groups love a challenge, so why not go Karting and get the adrenaline rush. Groups might like indoor bowling or even hop on hop off tours. A visit to the English market is a must for first time visitors to Cork. Cork has a fine range of quality hotel and a large amount of B&B’s. The city center is bursting with a diverse collection of amazing restaurants, bars and music establishments. So it’s just right for a team’s break away or team building.

Belfast

Belfast is another great City for a break visit. As we have pointed out before, teams, whether taking a break or team building like to get involved in activities. Belfast has some fantastic locations where teams can hone their footballing skills, be it rugby, soccer or Gaelic. Visit any of the sports recreation grounds and enjoy a 5 a side game of football, archery, ten pin bowling or paintballing. A walk with your team around Belfast city centre is a must as it a visit to the Titanic centre. Belfast is easily accessible from all major towns and cities in Ireland and is also served by an international airport.

Athlone

Athlone can be put third on this particular team break away list. It is bang in the middle of Ireland and situated on the banks of the river Shannon. Bursting with beautiful buildings, pubs and gastro outlets the team will find plenty on offer in this beautiful town. There are the standard events that teams on a break like to do like playing golf, horse riding swimming or bike riding but the main attraction has to be the boat trip up the Shannon or white water rafting.

Waterford

Let’s not forget Waterford in the sunny south east as a team break destination. Marvelous state of the art sports facilities, hotels, restaurants and the wonderful green way walk or cycle track out to Dungarvan.

So, which of the The top destinations for a team get away in Ireland will you choose?

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A day out in Galway for your team:

We spoke in an earlier piece about Ireland having four sides. Galway is on the rugged raw western seaboard and a superb location for team building events. Here’s just a few reason why you should have a day out in Galway for your team.

Nothing will rock your team day out like an excursion to Galway.

It is important before you start, that your team understands a little about Galway.

It has a rich history that will excite ninety nine percent of any team especially a group that’s embarking on either team building, a team event or just a team day out.

Galway, known as the City of the Tribes is the western capital of Connemara. The tribes consisted of fourteen families. They dominated the commercial, business and social events from the mid thirteenth century till the end of the nineteenth century.  Galway is now on the route of the wild Atlantic way.

There are some wonderful options for your team as you fix on the team building and team events available in Galway.

If your team wants a refreshing brisk walk with marvelous sea views and bracing air. Then take your team for a saunter along the promenade in Salthill. Rolling crashing Atlantic waves venting their might against the shore will stimulate all members of the team. It will also give your team an opportunity to chat and inter act with each other while they soak up the bracing outdoor air.

If the team’s preference is team bonding and team building by engaging in something more robust, then here are a few options. First on the list is a venue called Pure Skill. This will challenge all members of the team as it gives team members a chance to exercise their skill set at a variety of different sports.

Team Building Activities

This is an indoor facility, divided by nets. Skill tests for your team members include soccer scoring and hurling skills. These will test any non national team member who has never picked up a Hurley before in their life. The rest of the team will get a great kick at watching a total novice try to strike a sliothar between Gaelic goal posts. Team members can also enjoy striking a cricked ball travelling at about fifty five miles per hour. All activities are supervised and so that team members are not in any danger.

The second option is ten pin bowling. This is a favourite team event. Teams can be selected and compete against each other while accumulating points. Each team should have a balance of strong and novice team members. So that the team competition is fair and balanced. Ten pin bowling in Galway is close to the city centre.

A third option is footgolf. Yes, it is what it says on the tin. Instead of using golf clubs and small balls, players use soccer balls and their feet. It’s great fun and will make a great change for a team day out. As in all sports, members on a team day out are divided into teams and the teams compete against each other as in real golf.

A fourth option and always a winner on a team day out is Go Karting. Galway has a fantastic track where all team members can show off their driving skills as they whizz around the track.

Another unique team event is the great escape rooms. Your group can be divided up into teams. They are locked in one of three specially designed rooms and the object is for the team to use a series of puzzles to work out how to escape.

Another great team event is the Hawk Walk in Ashford castle.

For a team day out in Galway for your team team building, is as close to the top as you could find.

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Afternoon tea: Team building with sandwiches

Team building is not always about doing mad, exciting, adrenaline pumping feats and ending up exhausted and sweaty. Team building can be about calm, bonding and peaceful activities. Let’s take an in-depth look at one of the calmest team bonding exercises that comes to mind and the many benefits attached to it. Organising an Afternoon tea team building event for your group:

It is important to list the benefits of the team day out before making the final decision. So that the whole team can see both the attraction and the benefits of the proposed team building event.

1. Location in geographical terms
2. Location within location
3. The nature of the event
4. Indoor or outdoor
5. Whether to prepare and serve the food by the team
6. Have a third party prepare and serve
7. Contrast the costs
8. Figure out the numbers
9. Organise the transport
10. Do an analysis of the benefits of the team building event

With longer warmer days during the months of May to August. It’s no coincidence that most team building events take place  at this time of year. The first item on our team building day out is Geographical location.

One of the most beautiful places to visit and top of the list has got to be Killarney in County Kerry. It is easily accessible from Cork, Waterford, Limerick and the west coast by road and from Dublin by road and rail. Mind you if the team building group is very flush or has a team building generous benefactor. There is the option of going by air to Farnfore Airport in Kerry and on to your selected venue by private bus.

Location

Number two is location within location. One of the things that you can always count on in Kerry is the range and quality of the hotels in Killarney. The magnificent three lakes, not to mention stunning mountains. Which, depending on the time of year, could be covered with beautiful purple rhododendrons that will create a most impressive backdrop for any team building afternoon tea event.

Number three is the nature of the event. It has been decided at this stage to do an afternoon tea team building event. That of course, by its very nature means that it is held earlier in the day than most other social events. The menu generally consists of a range of small triangular assorted sandwiches of the highest quality; scones served with strawberry jam and freshly whipped cream. Small pastries and perhaps profit rolls smothered with warm dark chocolate. The team will no doubt look for a choice of both tea and coffee and if the finances stretch, perhaps some fresh Irish grown strawberries, cream and a couple of bottles of chilled champagne. That would tick the box as a marvelous team building and bonding exercise for pretty much any group.

What could be better than the team enjoying afternoon tea on the lawn overlooking the lakes in any of the wonderful hotels?

That brings us nicely on to the next item on our team building agenda, self catering or organised catering. Well, on the lawn of a hotel means you will be duty bound to let the establishment take care of all arrangements. Besides as the menu is multi stranded, it would be easy for someone to forget the mustard.

Preparing a budget is very important as is sticking with it.

Do a head count of all team building members, make arrangements and when the dust or champagne or smoked salmon sandwiches has settled. Analyse the benefits of team building and team bonding by indulging in afternoon tea.

Finally, if you’re planning a team building event. Let us help and get in touch today on info@bigpotatoes.ie.

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Warm Winter Team Building Ideas

Oh baby it’s cold outside! Heat up those offices with these Warm Winter Team Building Ideas! Check out our list of team building ideas that are designed warm up your team. Does your team have a sweet tooth? Check out our Christmas Cup Cake competition! Is Christmas complete in any office without a Christmas Jumper catwalk?! This time of year is for celebration and cheer. Liven up those cold days with some of this fantastic ideas.

Has your office Got Talent?

Well does it!? Lets see! Whether it is singing a beautiful song or some dodgy stand up! This team building idea is one that will uncover hidden talents amongst your team! Send an e-mail out a few weeks before so that folks can prepare. The jugglers can get practising! This is a great exercise that will break down barriers within your team. Co-workers will cheer each other on. Some will build confidence by getting up in front of people and performing. It is a great way to blow of steam and have a few laughs! You will be surprised at the poet or karate expert lurking in your office! Give them a chance to show off a talent that may be hidden!Even the group that is too shy will connect! But maybe start of with a few of these Ice Breakers to get people going!

Christmas Cup Cake Competition

The frosting, the flavours, the festive fun! There is a cup cake to tickle anyones fancy! Have a Christmas Cup Cake Competition and see who makes the most popular cup cake! Lemon buns and butterfly cakes are a classic! Encourage your team to make them Christmassy. Cinnamon and nut meg scents will fill the air. Little candy holly sweets for decoration. Couple will a steaming glass of mulled wine. Check out our Cup Cake making class for inspiration! As far as team building ideas go, this one is one of the tastiest! Cup cakes of any description are nothing if not a crowd pleaser! Team members can swap recipes and learn from one another. Maybe some will swap anecdotes about the most cupcakes they have eaten in one sitting!

Christmas Jumper Catwalk

Wearing your favourite Christmas Jumper to work is always a fun way to celebrate! This is such a popular team building idea at this time of year! Go all out! The tackier the better! Co-workers could compete for the prize for Ugliest Christmas Jumper. They could also battle it out for the Most Tasteful Christmas Jumper..That might be a little bit more difficult! Or Best Homemade Christmas Jumper. A catwalk style fashion show is in order! A big, warm, wooly jumper is well and truly needed at Christmas. Festive AND functional. Don’t forget to get a group picture and frame it in the office! Outrageous christmas jumpers are made to be seen! Why not wear them on a company outing?! Follow up this Christmas Jumper Competition with a trip to a local hotel or bar to show them off in style! A fantastic Warm Winter Team Building Ideas!

Finally, if you’re planning a team building event. Make sure to get in touch on info@bigpotatoes.ie and we’ll help you plan it every single step of the way.

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The Ultimate Company Christmas Party

Its that time of year! The wooly jumpers are out. The ice is being scraped off the windshields. Make this Christmas one to remember. Throw your staff The Ultimate Company Christmas Party! Everyone loves a Christmas Party. They are a fun and classic way to celebrate with your team. They are also a wonderful way for your team to socialise. A festive team building activity!

Secret Santa :

Start off your Ultimate Company Christmas Party in the office! Secret Santa is a winner. Put everyone’s name into a hat a few weeks before the event. Let everyone pick out a name and keep it a secret! There are handy online name generators you can use too. Everyone has to get a secret present for their co-worker! Maybe set a 10 euro limit on how much everyone should spend. This will keep things fun and fair! This is an effective team building activity. Members of your team will try to find out what their co-worker likes in a subtle way in order to get them something they will enjoy! The perfect mug with a picture of a pig on it! or a voucher for their favourite Cafe. Share the presents at your company Christmas party! Everyone will be dying to know who they got!

Christmas Cake off :

Christmas Cakes recipes are so traditional! They can differ from family to family. Give your team an opportunity to show of their special Christmas Cake recipe. This will make your Ultimate Company Christmas Party go down in history. Probably, for the most cake eaten by a group of people in an afternoon. Ask your team to sign up for the Christmas Cake off a month or so before your Company Christmas Party. This will give the cakes time to mature. Bring them in and line them up at the party! Have the group judge them on presentation and flavour. Give the winner a prize. Maybe a Spa Day out? This competition gives your team a chance to tell each other about different traditions in their family! An excellent way to build rapport in your team.

Gin Tea Party :

Our Gin Tea Party is the perfect Christmas party activity. Everyone knows that Gin is in! And it goes very well with Christmas cheer! Pour team mate a a drink and get to know them.  At a Gin Tea Party there is a variety of different gins. Every gin you have ever heard of and probably more. There is also a range of accompaniments such as peppercorn, orange, cucumber – you name it! Perfect if you are having your Ultimate Company Christmas Party at your office! Or maybe take your team somewhere further a field. A Team building activity that has your team build gin and tonics! What a winner this Christmas! 

Carol Singing :

Sleigh bells ring are you listening!? So here it is, Merry Christmas! What is your favourite Christmas anthem? Get your team to e-mail with their list of favourite Christmas tunes. Print out the lyrics of a range of Christmas bangers and get your team to sing along! Take it out of the office and do it on the way to a work night out. Singing is a great way for a group to connect! You will all learn what each others favourite Christmas songs are! And learn how the singers are! (And, unfortunately, learn who should keep it to the shower!)

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Team Building Activities for Remote Teams

Do some of your employees work from home? Or abroad? Make the whole team feel connected by trying out some of these team building activities for remote teams! These are a fun way to make everyone feel like they are working as one. Working remotely can be isolating and these activities will break down that wall, promote communication and a sense of belonging. Increasing a sense of camaraderie between team members who work away from the office will strengthen your team so that it can behave as one! All you need is an internet connection!

Guess the Office

Online Games

Cocktail Competition

Video Chat Charades  

Online Karaoke 

Looking for more Team Building Activities for Remote Teams?! How about one of our Weekend Packages! Get everyone in the same space for a whole weekend!

Finally, if you’re planning an upcoming event or looking for more information on team building activities for remote teams. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie!

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Top Team Building Activities

There are endless benefits to Team Building for both you and your employees. At the end of the day, the people you work with can be a huge part of how enjoyable your job is. For many it is the deciding factor of whether they will stay with a company for longer than a year. Give people a chance to make friends with their co-workers! Make your space a positive and open atmosphere where people can excel and feel satisfied! This list of Top Team Building Activities includes places your team can visit to experience something new, exciting or relaxing. They will share this experience with one another and be united!

Dirt Buggy Track

A Dirt Buggy Track is one of the most exciting Team Building Activities! Hop behind the wheel for some fast and furious fun!

A Dirt Buggy (or Dune Buggy) is is a recreational vehicle with large wheels and wide tires which was designed to be used on sand dunes, beaches or in the desert. Spur on your team mates to win in a race against another team!

Dirt Buggy racing helps build motivation techniques within a team. Drivers engage with a sense of competition and energy which they will enjoy and eventually apply to the workplace! This team building activity breeds active and supportive team members who enjoy giving each other a boost!

Dolphin Watching

We are so excited to add this to our list! Dolphin Watching is one of the most memorable experiences your team will enjoy! Dolphins are a favourite among many. They are funny, charming and clever! Qualities that they no doubt share with the members of your team.

Your team will be inspired by the Dolphins playful energy and learn to make work fun. Visiting these intelligent creatures will be all your team talks about for months. A visit to the coast will air out stuffy office heads with a fresh, salty sea breeze. The group will love the chance to breathe it all in!

Set sail along the Irish Coast and see what you can spot! There is an abundance of marine life waiting to be discovered. Bring a flask of hot tea on the boat for a warming chat with the person who sits at the desk across from you.

Finish off the trip with a bit of grub and you are in for a winner. We love this team building activity that really empowers team bonding.

Millinery

Have an Event coming up? Visiting a Millinery at the start of Summer is a great way to prepare for an upcoming wedding season! Give your team an opportunity to learn a new skill! Learning a new skill promotes everything an effective team needs. Communication, creativity and patience.

A Millinery is not just a activity for people who would wear the hat or fascinator they make. Members of your team will have fun getting creative. Maybe they will make a hat for their partner, or even the cat! This team building activity is all about having fun and experimenting with new ideas.

Tip: Maybe have everyone make a hat for someone else working in the office. That will give people are opportunity to find out what style they might like – or what would make them laugh! This really promotes team bonding. Reveal who made a hat for who at the end of the outing and take a group picture. Frame the picture and hang it in the office to give your team a good laugh. This will make everyone feel like they are all part of a big mad family!

A Pottery Studio

Get your team into a creative mind space by signing them up for a trip to a Pottery Studio. Many members of your team may not have done this before. Experiencing something for the first time together will strengthen the connection between team members! Using a pottery wheel is also a very relaxing way to make something of your own.

Using your hands is an effective way to stimulate brain activity while also relieving stress. The pay offs for visiting this Team Building activity never end! And there may be some masterpieces made! Or you may end up with some funny looking jugs decorating your office. Either way it will be a memorable team building activity and team building idea!

Make your local Pottery Studio a Top Team Building Destination. It is enjoyable for all ages and abilities!

Finally, if you’re planning your next team building event. Make sure you drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details on these top team building activities!

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3 of the Best Ice Breakers for a Team Bonding Session

Looking for ways to break the ice?! Whether you have a whole new team or new employees joining – these are 3 of the Best Ice Breakers for a team Bonding Session. Maybe a group of employees are returning from work elsewhere and a new team has been formed? Maybe you have just started a new company and no one knows anyone at all yet! Get the ball rolling. Start the conversation!

Year of the Coin

Hand out a coin to each person and ask people to share something they were doing the year the coin was made. Were they listening to Kings of Leon on the way to college? Where they getting their braces removed? Or living in another Country? Find out!

This is a great way for people to get to know a thing or two about the team they are working with! It is one of the easiest and best ice breakers for a team bonding session! It’s also a great little team building idea to kick start a meeting and change things up.

Would You Rather

Everyone knows this game! Play it at your next Team Bonding Session, team building activity or as way to start a meeting. Anyway, take turns going around the room asking each person a “Would You Rather” question. Here are a few examples:

“Would you rather own a mansion or have the ability to talk to animals?”

“Would you rather be able to fly or be able to read minds?”

“Or Would you rather hold one giant spider or several small spiders?”

The list goes on! Maybe write down some creative ‘Would you Rather’ questions to pull out of a hat. This might take the pressure off people having to invent them on the spot! Ask your team to come prepared with a few to toss in!

Two truths and one lie

If you have a group of new employees starting today, this game is fantastic! Get existing staff to get to know new team members by playing this ice-breaking game.

Gather everyone at lunch and invite them to play. Ask everyone to come up with two things that are true about themselves and one thing that is a lie. Then ask people to share their three facts.

“I have 2 sisters, one of which works here in the company”

“I’ve met Beyonce at a Mac store”

“I have 6 cats”

Can you guess which one isn’t true?! Everyone has to try to guess the right answer. This leads to lively anecdotes about life experiences and memories!

These Ice breakers are a great way to have some laughs and relive the tension of starting something new! Why not try taking the team out of the office so that they can get to know each other in a new context. Check out our list of Water Based Activities! Why not start of this new phase with a splash!?

Finally, will you be trying any of these 3 of the Best Ice Breakers for a Team Bonding Session?

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Alternative Team Building Activities for 2019

Kick off 2019 by bringing your team together! These Alternative Team Building Activities are a great way to shake off the cobwebs of last year and start 2019 off with a bang. Your group will makes friends and get to know each other whilst having fun! Alternative games and outings are a quirky way to get the ball rolling for a strong and happy team. Boost morale and productivity!

Cook-Off

This culinary team-building activity will turn out some tasty results! Hosting a company cook-off is an exciting way to engage with your employees team work and leadership skills. Separate the group up into smaller teams. Pick a food category. Food categories like Salsa, Chile, Pizza, Lasagne – would make it easy for most people to take part! Provide everyone with the same ingredients! This had to start our list of Alternative Team Building Activities. Who in your team is a secret chef!? 

Tip : BBQ Cook Offs work really well! They always go down a storm. Have one at your next Summer BBQ!

Your Cook-Off will be a fun way to unite your team. Hopefully, it may end up in everyone with a full tummy and a smile on their face! It will bring out everyones inner chef. A prize of a chefs hat would be a great way to honour the winner! Maybe they will wear it around the office!

(In case of disasters, maybe keep a take-away menu and phone nearby)

Board Game Tournament

A Board Game Tournament is the perfect way for people to get to know each other. Your group will learn how to work together and even unleash their competitive sides! An team building activity like this is ideal as you don’t have to leave the office on what is, perhaps, a rainy day. Suggest a team-wide Board Game Tournament! It is a classic Alternative Team Building Activity. Good clean fun! (Unless you have one or two with a cunning competitive streak on your team!) 

Pick a game : Jenga, Trivia Pursuit, Operation or games using a deck of cards. Choose one game that all employees will play. Make a leader board and let your team compete for the top place!

Give prizes for First, Second and Third place. Mini Trophies or Vouchers for a local restaurant would really get people to compete for the top! Or reward the winning group with one of these special team awards events !

Escape Room Games

Escape Room Games are becoming one of the most popular Alternative Team Building Activities for 2019. We might have heard of them through TV shows, or seen pictures of friends participating in one. They require logic, patience, leadership skills and a lot of team work! Games like Puzzle break, Escape the Room and Adventure Rooms are challenging and exciting experiences your team will never forget.

Escape Room Games work by “locking” the group in a room for one hour. The timer is set and the race is on! The group must escape by solving puzzles, finding hidden clues and objects and finding the key to unlock the room!

These games are an invigorating way to encourage your team to think as one. An average of only 20% of teams make it out during the given hour! Be sure to incentivise the game by awarding the winner with something very special!

Volunteer

Supporting a good cause is a great way to give back to the community. Your team members will feel the benefit of doing something positive and bond as a group. Volunteering for local charities that aid homelessness or deliver Christmas gifts to children’s hospitals are an effective way to support your community. Promoting environmental awareness would greatly benefit your local area. Contact some local organisations and enquire as to how you can help out!

Maybe organise a fundraising marathon for a charity of your companies choice. Ask your company to vote on which charity to raise funds for. Make it an annual thing so that each year you can help something different!

Your team will enjoy working together for a charitable cause!

Kayaking/Canoeing

Suggest some outdoor activities to your group. Kayaking or Canoeing are seriously fun ways to get everyone hyped and ready to work together! Encourage people to pair up with other employees who they maybe have not worked with before. The incentive to keep dry and out of the water is one way to get people to work together. If your team likes excitement and getting out there, check out these water based activities! 

If members of your team would rather do something a little more relaxing, why not organise a cruise on the river. The group will love taking it easy and watching the water.

Water based activities are something different for a lot of people! They will remember the day out and get to know fellow employees. 

So there you have it folks. Our list of Alternative Team Building Activities for you to think about!

Finally, if you’re interested in booking your next team building activity or event. Make sure to drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details!

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We all go to work, do our jobs, and go home. Regardless of how fulfilling our jobs are, it’s nice to have a little surprise here and there. Little surprises from the boss help people feel connected to their work environment and make it that much more enjoyable. Have a read of our 10 Ways To Surprise Your Team. The idea is to increase engagement and productivity.

Food Time

For no reason just bring in some food to share. Some Bagels, fruit baskets, cookies, or even pizza. These are always a big hit!

Home Time Surprise

Why not tell everyone they can leave 30 minutes early for the day as a random surprise. Surprisingly, most people will not actually leave because they have work they don’t want to leave behind. But it’s still a really nice gesture that they will appreciate!

Personal Touch

We all love the personal touch. This little surprise is something you can do in personally without involving the rest of the team. Every once in a while, come in a little early to leave a personal note, complimenting the work done or thanking them if an extra special effort was made on a recent project. They will love that you took time to leave this personal compliment.

Work Somewhere Else

Work somewhere else for the day! Remember that time your teacher took you outside to have class? It’s the same feeling! We strongly recommend having regular team idea sessions in a different environment than the office. If you have a team meeting coming up that’s normally in a boring conference room, then why not head to a local park and sit at a picnic table? Or head to a local coffee shop or hotel lobby.

Funny Board

Get a little bulletin board in the office and every morning allow an employee to put up a funny picture, cheeky tweet, or quote. Even put this on a rota system so people know when they have to put up a funny piece.

Branded Gear

Show employees you appreciate them with cool gear. Organise t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs or water bottles with business logo stamped on. Use them as little thank you gifts for the staff… And if they use them outside the office you now have some free advertising!

Walk Time

Take everyone out for a walk. Grab your team and just walk around the block or the park. This gets everyone chatting and really relaxes people. Such a nice surprise also to just randomly take 30 minutes out of the day for a little team bonding.

Music

Is your office usually pretty quiet? Mix it up a little, bring in a speaker, turn on the radio and have some tunes on!

Team Lunch

Team lunches are a great way to create a different kind of conversation that wouldn’t happen in the office. Organise a team lunch and to get to know your employees on a different level and in a different setting. This team bonding lunch allows your team to connect more.

Visit From The Family

Do you know the spouses or any family members of your team? Why not invite them to stop by? In the office we talk about our family, kids and pets every day and even see the pictures. But has your spouse ever actually seen where you work or what you do? Take a minute and say hi to them in person. It’s always a nice break in the day when your spouse or co-worker’s spouse stops by with the kids. It really lifts the mood in the office.

We all know their are benefits to team building. We really encourage you to brighten your teams day by trying one of our 10 Ways To Surprise Your Team or all if you feel like it! 

As a manager it is vital to know little tricks that motivate your staff, raise moral, make work enjoyable, and all resulting in increased productivity.

These are just a few ideas, and we’re sure you can come up with more. Don’t hesitate to experiment and we would love to know how they work with your team.

If you like the idea of organising some team building for your group. Then contact us today and let our expert team look after you.

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With so many brilliant activities to choose from, what will you and the team decide for your team building session? Well fear not, we’re the experts in planning superb team building events across Ireland and these are our Top 3 Team Building Activities for 2019.

Gin Tea Party

A Gin Tea Party is always a huge hit with teams and groups and it will be no different for 2019. This is a brilliant activity for those looking for something unique. Guaranteed everyone in the office will love this team building activity. So what are you waiting for? Take your team building night to the next level with a Gin Tea Party!

Style class

Next up on our list is a Style Class.

Without a doubt this is an activity all the ladies will enjoy. Spend an afternoon feeling simply fabulous and full of fashion inspiration. Trust in the hands of a professional stylist as they go through all the latest styles and trends while they share all their trade secrets. The stylist will show you how to dress for your shape, pick colours that compliment your natural skin tone and even how to maximise what’s already in your wardrobe.

Paint a Nude

We are leaving the best till last! If you’re looking to organise a truly unique team bonding activity that will everyone talking about for years to come… Then Paint A Nude class is the way to go! Unleash your artistic and creative side with this brilliant fun team building activity.

So, there you have it! Our Top 3 Unique Team Building Activities for 2019! What will you choose?

If you’re interested in organising a brilliant team building event. Contact us today on info@bigpotatoes.ie. 

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To be honest, there are plenty more reasons to let us look after the organisation of your team building activities. Plenty more than 5 anyway that is. But for today we have put together our Top 5 Reasons To Pick BigPotatoes.ie.

Party Planning Experts

When we say we are party planning experts! We mean it. For over 10 years we have been organising hen parties, stag parties and baby showers for all different sized groups and have heard every special request you can think of. We have helped ensure each group has had a truly great night or weekend away.

Save Money

We work with some of the best suppliers in the business all over Ireland and the UK. We have negotiated some fantastic discounts so that we can organise brilliant package deals for you and your work mates.

Customer Service

Our customer support agents are some of the friendliest people in the business. They are on hand to guide and inspire you to plan the best team bonding session for your group. They simply want you to make sure you have a great time.

Only The Best

We know only the best will do for your work team, and that’s the way it should be! We only work with the best suppliers and deal with the best activity centers across Ireland and the UK.

Best Locations

Wherever you want to have your team bonding session across Ireland, we have you covered. If you and the team even feel like hopping across the pond or further a field we can sort that to!

Here are just 5 reasons of 100’s to pick BigPotatoes.ie for your team building session. Contact our team today and let us guide you through organising a team bonding session or night out your staff won’t forget.

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8 Team Bonding Ideas

Creating meaningful bonds among team members is something every team strives for. A team with strong bonds will work harder for each other regardless if it’s a sports team, work team or even social group. Now we love a good team building event and activity. But, if you’re looking for a few quick team bonding games that can be played almost anywhere then read on. Here are 8 Team Bonding Ideas!

1. Possibilities

First on our list of team bonding ideas is to play Possibilities. It only takes about 5-6 mins, it can have as many participants as possible and the tools you’ll need are any random object that’s to hand.

The object of this 5 minute team building game is to give each person the object. They must stand up and demonstrate a use for that object. The person demonstrating cannot speak and no demonstration can be the same. Let’s just say the wackier the better in our opinion. This team building exercise definitely allows people to express their creative and innovative side to say the least.

2. The Egg Drop

This team bonding idea will engage your team, improve team work and encourage problem solving among team members. You’ll need at least 2 small groups but you can have more and make sure the groups have even numbers. You’ll need a few raw eggs and this team bonding idea can take part in the office.

Each group must build a contraption from office supplies available to them that will keep the egg from breaking. They can use tap, paper, cardboard, pens etc. Set a time limit somewhere between 15-20 mins. Once the time has run out. Each group must place their egg in the contraption and drop it from the second floor of the building. Then you just have to see which egg survives the drop.

Just a note, this can get a little messy so have the mop ready.

3. Purpose Mingling

If you’re looking for a great little team bonding exercise right at the start of any meeting. Then give purpose mingling a go. So, at the start of the meeting get everyone to walk around and share what they want to contribute in the meeting to as many people as possible. This sort of team bonding exercise is fantastic at improving meeting productivity, will get people thinking more about the meeting and not just solely on what they want to get out of the meeting.

4. Blind Drawing

If communication in your team is something you’re looking to improve. Then try the Blind Drawing game. It’s a quick a easy team bonding idea that requires only 2 people, a picture and a pen & paper. You can have larger groups depending on the size of your team.

Individuals sit back to back. One has their eyes closed and has the pen and paper in their hands. The other has their eyes wide open and has the picture. The person with the picture must describe what they see in the picture without directly saying it. So, if the picture is a flower in a pot, you can’t say “draw a flower in a pot”.

The other person then draws on the paper what they think the picture is from what the other is saying. This team bonding game should last maybe 5 mins. It’s a great way to improve communication and interpretation among a team. And, what they actually draw will be very interesting of all these 8 Team Bonding Ideas.

5. Would I Lie to You?

This team bonding game is loosely based on the TV show ‘Would I Lie to You?’. You’ll need about 5 or more people to play. Each person must come up with 3 true facts about themselves and one lie. Keep the lie somewhat realistic as otherwise the other members of the team will know straight away. Go around the room and everyone takes turns to tell there 3 true facts and the lie. The others must guess which is the lie.

This is a great game to use as an ice breaker for any new team members, allows someone who is a little more introvert to share and it can also be used just to shake up the hum drum of meetings.

6. Navigate a Mine Field

For this one you’ll need between 4 and 10 people. The numbers have to be even. You’ll also need a variety of handheld objects and some blindfolds. This team bonding game can be played anywhere. In the office, the car park or any open area. We do think the office is funnier and trickier.

The objects are placed sporadically across an area. In teams of 2, one person wears the blindfold and cannot speak. The other person must lead the other team member through the obstacles without stepping on them to the finish line with only verbal instructions.

This game is a fantastic team building idea & activity as it builds trust, effective listening and communication.

7. Scavenger Hunt

A good Scavenger Hunt is only as good as the time you put into it. Don’t get me wrong a scavenger hunt that gets everyone up and out of the office on a hunt around the city is always good fun. But it’s often not that practical.

So, twist it to suit your environment. People have to hunt for objects in the building, online, take photos and create mini videos in certain areas of the building according to the puzzles on the scavenger hunt. It will take a little planning but it can all be done from the office and all you have to do is make sure the teams are even or a mix from each department.

This will be sure to improve team work, communication, creativity and task completion.

8. Winner or Loser

You’ll need at least 2 people for this team building exercise. You’ll need no other tools. One person shares a something negative that happened in their life be it personal or work related that is true, to the other person or group. That person re tells the experience but only focuses on the positive aspects of the story. The other person or group helps explore the positive parts or the silver lining of what was a bad experience. Then the roles are switched.

This is a fantastic way to train yourself to re work negative experiences into a learning experience as team or group. Learning from mistakes will allow the team grow and take those learnings with them.

All these team bonding games and exercises are always a fantastic way to fire up a team in a meeting, before a meeting or during the working week to ultimately help productivity.

So, which one of these 8 Team Bonding Ideas will you be trying at your next team building event?

Finally, to organise your next team building event. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details!

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