There are so many different categories of extreme sports that we are spoilt for choice. We have already covered white water rafting in the Scottish mountains and the thrills and spills associated with that sport. We moved from water sport, sort of speak to aerial or sky sport in the piece on parachute jumping and the adrenaline rush associated with that. Now we go to terra firma and explore the thrills and adrenaline levels by having a go at buggy racing.

So we have air, water and mucky terrain as the first three on our to do list for team building and in those three we are examining three elements that get the juices of excitement going and at the same time contribute to our team building exercise.

There is no doubt that Buggy racing will tick all the boxes. We have yet to meet someone that doesn’t want to get behind the wheel of any vehicle and give it welly.

It’s amazing to think the motor manufacturing conglomerates are concentrating so much money and technology on building driverless cars! Especially when all the world and it’s mother just wants to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and test their driving skills. Mind you, the roads are so congested with traffic these days that any type of driving can be either boring, painful or both for that matter. So let’s get off road and experience the absolute thrill of bombing a rough terrain buggy around some serious undulating country side. This is team building as it should be. Team leaders can select the drivers that will give them the best advantage over the rival team.

The first of the three adrenaline “hits” comes early.

First is the kit out and buggy allocation. It will bring back memories of the bumpers at the local funfair when the now adults and team leaders were children on holidays from school. The buggies are powered by 650 cc engines, have robust suspensions and sequential gear shifts built for mayhem. They are fitted with a safety harness and anti roll cage bars to ensure safety. As you await instructions from the course marshal and encouragement from the team leader, the excitement builds. This is what time out from the office should be all about. First a leisurely lap of the track to get familiarised with the course and then back to the starting pit, line up and off.

Number two : the actual drive.

It doesn’t take long for the competitive streak to kick in with the teams. Speeding on the flat surfaces where the opportunity exists to overtake and get your team in the lead is followed by some tricky maneuvers over rocky terrain. Drivers will master driving sideways, oversteer and understeer techniques. The teams will learn how to tackle extreme terrains, bumps, twists, jumps and turns. And, learn how to overtake your team opponent particularly on the flat fast section. For team building, this has it all. Team work, team leadership and team enjoyment;

Number three on the adrenaline scale is the race to the finish. That means challenging the opposing team at every opportunity even more so when it would normally be deemed as risky. That is when the thrill hits the top note. It is great fun, highly entertaining and extreme. Don’t underestimate the power of these awesome buggies; a breathtaking experience.

The post Extreme sports as a team building exercise: Buggy Racing  appeared first on BigPotatoes.

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.

The post Sea kayaking as a team building exercise for hotel staff appeared first on BigPotatoes.

These 5 reasons why beauticians should go quad biking as a team building day out really make a great case! Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. And, beauty is a big industry! Everyone wants to look beautiful. Life is a rush and people want others help them be handsome. Beauticians are involved in team work. Some do hair, some do faces, some do eyes and eye brows. Others do nails. Let’s not forget the toe nails and the tattooists. Bigpotatoes recognises the need for beauticians as a group, to get together and team build every so often. So, we ask ourselves at Bigpotatoes – “what kind of team activities would suit those in the beauty trade? What would excite a team of beauticians?”

Definitely not a visit to a spa and some pampering – that would be a busman’s holiday! Something that doesn’t involve cucumbers on eye lids, cold tea bags and lots of face cream… but maybe involves mud packs?Something that involves lots of mud, lots and lots of mud!

Bigpotatoes would suggest that the team goes quad biking for the team day out. It’s great fun and a complete opposite to life in a beauty parlour.

Reason 1 :

The first reason why the team should go quad biking is for its excitement. It is the perfect autumn or winter adventure sport. The time of the year or seasons aside, there is every chance that it could be raining on your team day out. According to some fans of the sport, it’s much better fun in the lashing rain. Quad biking is muddy, bone crunching, head shaking, very noisy and will appeal to the team. It is where man or woman and machine take on the elements and the rough terrain.

Reason 2 :

The second reason is the kit out!  Some of these parks are as much as 80 acres in size. So, don’t turn up in short skirts and high heels. This is moo cow stuff. Wear something rough and ready. The team will be kitted out in top to toe rubber suits and helmets.

The team will be assessed by the staff who will decide on the type of bike and track that suits the team best.

A courses are different grades. This depends on experience or physical size. The team go to the quad bikes and get further instructions, once kitted out. This involves the knowledge of the bike, the workings and the safety features. The team can split up into a couple of teams depending on numbers and can compete against each other.

This adds extra excitement and a challenge to the team day out. After that is time to rock and roll.

The undulating courses are mud baths and when the quad bikes hit the spot, mud splashes ever where. Very soon the team members are unrecognisable as they are covered from head to toe in muck. As members speed around the track they compete against fellow team members and score points.

Reason 3 :

The third reason is the thrill in manoeuvring the bikes and mastering skills like reversing around obstacles at speed and balancing on seesaws.

Reason 4 :

Imagine the adrenaline rush as the team takes on nature in the form of hills, ditches, streams, bridges and other obstacles. Therefore, tearing up inclines, swerving at the crest and descending at speed into a muddy swamp where the wheels are barely visible.

Reason 5 :

The fifth reason is that no experience is necessary before mounting the all terrain vehicle, as full onsite training is given!

So that is all you need to know! Are you convinced you should take your beautifying team quad biking!? Make those memories and form those bonds! Bigpotatoes recommends that your team remembers to bring the appropriate clothing including waterproof boots.

The post 5 reasons why beauticians should go quad biking as a team building day out appeared first on BigPotatoes.

St. Patricks day comes every year and it is a time that most of us enjoy. Whether we are new to the country and want to engage in the customs and traditions here, or have fond memories of watching the parade as a child – St. Patricks day can be a fantastic day out. Get in on the Paddy’s day cheer by organising a day of team bonding for your hardworking colleagues.

A trip the a Millinery is wonderful way to get some extravagant head gear ready for any St. Patricks day events! Perfect for the office gang who love getting crafty, this team building activity will have your team producing some seriously stylish creations. Use plenty of green tulle and beads to create the perfect Paddy’s day look.

St. Patricks day happens during Spring time in Ireland and this means that the weather is a combination of sunny spells with random pours of rain. If you are lucky enough to stumble upon some glorious weather this St. Patricks day, definitely head off on a Boat Tour. Relax and enjoy a drink with you co-workers whilst taking in the scenic Spring time views. Is there beginning to be a stretch in the evening!? We think so! (This would be the perfect event to sport your newly made St. Patricks day hat too!)

There you have it! The perfect recipe for an amazing St. Patricks weekend team bonding session. Maybe kick things off on the Friday of the bank holiday weekend. The extra day to relax and have fun will be wonderful news to your hardworking team.

The post St. Patricks Day Team Building Ideas appeared first on BigPotatoes.

5 Team Building Mistakes to Avoid

Planning Team Building Activities is a positive step toward housing a happy team! Make sure that they are effective. You don’t want them to have a redundant or negative outcome! Here are 5 Team Building Mistakes to Avoid.

Different Abilities

Avoid making the mistake of not acknowledging your teams differing abilities. Your team is made up of people with different skills. They also have different interests. Most importantly, they have different abilities. When planning your next team building activity consider this. While one team member might enjoy a Hair and Make Up class, another might enjoy dirt buggying a bit more! Also, older members of your team might be more comfortable taking a trip to a pottery or going on a boat ride. Try and cater to what your team will benefit from the most. 

Cliques

Cliques promote segregation. Try and break up office cliques at your next team building activity! Working together is the key! Cliques form naturally in any social situation. The crowd from the admin office might be close friends. The interns might have a lot in common with one another. Give everyone the opportunity to work with someone new! This enhances communication between team members. 

No Clear Goals

Make clear goals at the start of the activity! Maybe send an e-mail explaining why you have chosen this particular trip. If goals are not made clear, your team might be confused. Communicate your aim early on to ensure they are achieved. If you are planning an excursion to an Adventure Centre, do let your team know why. Although they will enjoy the fun physical exercise, make sure they know that there is a wider point. 

Overly Ambitious

Baby Steps! The idea is to have a few excursions per year. A few in office Ice Breakers, a Summer BBQ and a trip Dolphin watching. There are activities to enhance everything! Don’t spend two weeks taking trips to stay cooped up for the rest of the year. Don’t expect to achieve everything all at once! Over working a team to achieve a goal will wear them out. Be consistent! Don’t make your team bonding activities too ambitious.

Neglecting to act on People’s Suggestions

Act on the suggestions of your team. If your team expresses an interest in a particular area, act! This will encourage your employees to make suggestions to you in future. If a team member suggests something wacky like Zorbing, do some research. Find out what the benefits are. Ask around to see if there is interest. Take on board what people have to say! 

The post 5 Team Building Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on BigPotatoes.

How to make your Team Building Activities more effective

Planning Team Building activities can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Activities such as Watersports or Summer Barbecues can be a great way to network and create bonds! Make sure that your carefully planned activities yield positive outcomes. Learn how to make your team building activities more effective!

Have the activity during office hours

They might work in the most action packed, positive work space in town. They might absolutely love their job! And lets hope they do! It doesn’t matter how much a person loves their job, no one wants to spend extra hours in work. The evenings and weekends are for time off! No matter what company event is planned! Schedule Team Building Activities during a work day. Your employee can come in to something unexpected and fun. Unless you are planning a company wide week long trip to Bali – keep it to office hours!

Collaboration

Choose team building activities that encourages collaboration. Working together is so important. The strength of your team depends on how well they can work as a unit. Make collaboration a priority when setting out team building activities. Although competitiveness can be productive, but focussing on winning may derail the point of the exercise. Choose an activity that encourages your team to work together, instead against one another, to solve a problem. A Trip to an adventure centre is a good way to encourage working together. Centres often plan tasks that require team work to be completed!

Volunteering

Benefitting the community is wonderful motivation for a team. Volunteering their time to help out a local charity can be an effective team building activity. Your team will feel like they are making a difference! Working together to help others makes people feel good about themselves. It will enhance your teams self esteem. Spread the positivity! Plan a marathon, food drive or recycling incentive.

Going offsite

Taking your team out into the fresh air is a great way to get started! There are a number of exciting outdoor activities that you can plan. Venture beyond the four walls of the office for a day! Try something like surfing! Or Lets say you are planning a team bonding activity that could take place in a boardroom. Book this event somewhere offsite to shake things up! There are plenty of hotels that would be perfect for this kind of thing!

Accessibility

Make sure no one in your team feels left out. Many of us would enjoy active sports like paintball. The fast pace of such sports may not appeal to all members of your team! Consider the physical conditions and health needs of your employees. Choose something that everyone is excited about! Or give the group the option of two activities. Maybe one group hits the Dirt Buggys while another relaxes at a Spa! To each their own.

Communicate expectations

Communicate your expectations to your team. Before any team bonding sessions outline what you hope the outcomes will be. Make a list and send an e-mail around highlighting how the activities you have chosen could achieve these goals. Let them know that this activity should improve communication and stimulate creativity. Another could encourage networking and working together. Employees will respond to knowing why the activity is taking place!

Gather feedback

How did your crew find the trip to the pottery? It is so important to gather feedback. Ask people how they got on! Find out whether the planned activity was effective. Ask you team to provide constructive feedback. This is a great way to get to know your team. If something worked out well, maybe try it again the following year.

Finnally, How to make your Team Building Activities more effective all comes down to the willingness of the team to buy into them. Make sure to take some time to focus on this aspect also.

The post How to make your Team Building Activities more effective appeared first on BigPotatoes.

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.

The post 10 Ways To Surprise Your Team appeared first on BigPotatoes.

BigPotatoes Bites – What Colour is Hippo Milk?

As random facts go, this is one of our favourites and was always going to be a BigPotatoes Bite at some point. Some may already know the answer but if you don’t you’re in for a treat. So, in this BigPotatoes Bites – What Colour is Hippo Milk?

Now we all naturally assume milk is white. We’ve been drinking cows milk since we were children and we’ve been bombarded with cereals advertising it be served with milk. However, not every species on this planet has white milk. A Hippo’s milk is in fact Pink!!

It does kind of look like strawberry flavoured milk but we aren’t taste testing that. But, this little random fact is a fantastic way to kick off a meeting or use it as an icebreaker at a networking event. It’s sure to turn a few heads.

And, if you still don’t believe me. Check out the video below for proof!

So, on your next work night out or Christmas party when some asks have you any news. You can tell them you do and tell them the colour of Hippo milk.

Finally, start planning your next work night out or Christmas party and drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie! 

The post BigPotatoes Bites – What Colour is Hippo Milk? appeared first on BigPotatoes.

BigPotatoes Bites – Pac Man is in your Head

We all grew up with arguably one of the greatest video arcade video games of all time, Pac-Man. And, if you didn’t go online right now and start playing it. But, in this edition of BigPotatoes Bites – Pac Man is in your Head!

Now, if your looking for a little icebreaker at the start of a meeting or looking for a little team building exercise that is quick, fun and a little silly then this is for you.

So, prepare to be amazed firstly, and start by putting your finger in your ear. Then tell everyone to start scratching. It sounds just like Pac-Man! Also, you’ve just got everyone to stick their finger in their ear.

This is a funny little exercise at the start of any meeting or team building event just to break up the norm and allow people to relax with a bit of a chuckle.

So, will you be getting your team to try this little trick at your next meeting, team building event or work night out?

Finally, for more details on our fantastic team building packages. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie! 

The post BigPotatoes Bites – Pac Man is in your Head appeared first on BigPotatoes.

BigPotatoes Bites – Google Worth?

There is no getting away from the reality that we all love an interesting fact. Something that sparks a response from our peers like “really?”, “I don’t believe it” or “that’s mad”. In this BigPotatoes Bites – Google Worth? you will get a fact that is sure to get a reaction.

We all know Google and we are well aware of the vast amounts of money it is making. But, that was not always the case. Did you know… that the founders of Google were willing to sell Google for $1million to Excite in 1999. Not only that but Excite turned them down! Google is now worth an estimated $183 billion!

I bet those lads are kicking themselves now!

Now that’s what we call an interesting fact for any team building event!

Finally, contact us today for more details on our fantastic team building events! 

The post BigPotatoes Bites – Google Worth? appeared first on BigPotatoes.

BigPotatoes Bites – What Gorillas Do When They’re Happy

We all do certain things when we’re happy. That could be dancing, singing, drinking or whatever takes your fancy really. This is heightened when your boss announces they have a team building event or work night out planned. But, have you ever wondered what a gorilla does when they’re happy? Find out in this BigPotatoes Bites – What Gorillas Do When They’re Happy!

We’re not that far removed from our primate friends, and we’re even closer after a big work night out. But, did you know that when a Gorilla is happy they Burp? It’s true when a Gorilla is happy they burp. Unfortunately they don’t have breath mints.

We’re sure that this little fact will go down a hit as an icebreaker on you next team building event!

Finally, get in touch about planning your next team building event on info@bigpotatoes.ie! 

The post BigPotatoes Bites – What Gorillas Do When They’re Happy appeared first on BigPotatoes.

BigPotatoes Bites – How Do Pineapples Grow

We’re a big believer in BigPotatoes.ie HQ of learning something new everyday. We also love a good or interesting fact that make for a brilliant icebreaker at a team building or networking event. So, with this BigPotatoes Bites – How Do Pineapples Grow? you’ll learn something that will blow your mind.

Most of us love pineapple. We won’t get into the debate about it being on a pizza. That can split any team in half. But, most of us assume that a pineapple falls from a tree or grows on one. Essentially with it being a tropical fruit we all think it grows and falls like a coconut or banana.

Well ladies and gentleman we’re here to tell you it certainly does not. It actually grows up from the ground! Don’t believe us? Check out the video, BigPotatoes Bites – How Do Pineapples Grow?, below!

Make sure to stay tuned for more BigPotatoes Bites with random facts and peculiar ice breakers for your next team building event!

Finally, drop us a line today on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details on our fantastic team building events and work night’s out!

The post BigPotatoes Bites – How Do Pineapples Grow? appeared first on BigPotatoes.

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!

The post 8 Team Bonding Ideas appeared first on BigPotatoes.

Work Night Out Ideas

Regardless of how many years you’ve been working for, a work night out is always something everyone looks forward to. A night where everyone lets their hair down and enjoys each others company over a few drinks. A work night out is more than just a drink. It’s a fantastic team building event and there are plenty of ways to maximize its benefits. So, here are a few of our favourite Work Night Out Ideas!

Here at BigPotatoes.ie we’ve split our Work Night Out Ideas into 3 categories. Activities, Games and Out There Ideas!

Activities

Firstly, the key to a good work night out is choosing an activity that everyone will enjoy, get involved in, take something away from and hopefully not have done before.

Weather permitting there are fantastic outdoor activities available all across Ireland. You can fuel your teams need for speed and competitive side with some Karting. Get into the trenches with some Paintball and who knows settle some scores. Try a whole host of activities from abseiling to kayaking in an Adventure Centre. And, if you fancy getting your feet wet before a few drinks, give Surfing a go or even be a big kid on an Inflatable Water Park

If your team is looking for a more relaxing affair. You can always indulge them with a Spa Day. Who doesn’t love a  relaxing massage?

Finally, if you’re just looking to get the night and party started early. You can’t go wrong with a Cocktail Making Class, a BBQ, a spot of Karaoke or even a Gin Tea Party. Start as you mean to go they say!

Games

On a work night out we always recommend having a few games organised. They don’t have to be anything crazy but just a few to help the party get started.

A great work night out game is the table quiz. Our advice, keep it short and sweet but make sure the questions are tricky and that there is no googling answers.

One of our favourite things to do on a work night out here in BigPotatoes HQ is to break out a few old board games from our childhood. Hungry, hungry hippo is always sure to get everyone fired up. Buckaroo will get the heart racing and nerves heightened. And who can forget Jenga. A game that always captivates people!

Other great work night out games are doing your own scavenger hunt. You can make it very simple an include things that you can collect by taking pics on your phone. ‘What’s My Name’ is a classic and all you’ll need is to raid the stationary cupboard for a pen and some post-it’s. A personal favourite of my mine is catchphrase. You can download a free app to help.

Out There Ideas!

Here at BigPotatoes.ie we organise incredible work nights out that include an activity, food and drinks all over Ireland. But, if you’re still looking for work night out ideas that are just out there and are going to be a first for people.

Then, let us suggest activities like Axe Throwing, Renting Sumo Suits, Zorbing, Dirt Buggies, Escape Rooms or even Paint a Nude. Think you’ll be able to keep a straight face during that last activity?

So there you have it. Just a few work night out ideas for your to mull over.

Finally, before you book anything. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details on what we can offer your next work night out! 

The post Work Night Out Ideas appeared first on BigPotatoes.

Top 5 Team Building Activities in 2018

The New Year has arrived and it’s time to start planning that killer team building activity for your team with BigPotatoes.ie. But with so many options to choose from, what will you decide? Well fear not, we’re the experts in planning superb team building events and these are the Top 5 Team Building Activities in 2018.

Adventure Centre

First on the list is a trip to the Adventure Centre. Adventure centres across the country have been hosting incredible team building days for years. And, in 2018 they’ll continue to spoil you for choice of activities, challenge your team and ensure you have tons of fun. The hardest decision you’ll make when going to an adventure centre. Is simply deciding on what do? Activities like Kayaking, Rock Climbing, the leap of Faith and even Zip Lining.

Paintball

Paintball isn’t just an activity for the lads. It’s brilliant craic for the entire team. You’ll spend the day diving into trenches, over hail bails and storming buildings. All the while waging all out Paintball war and possibly settling a few scores. It’s a fantastic team building activity that encourages team bonding, people to work together, to communicate effectively and perform as a team. Also, and more importantly, it’s brilliant fun.

Let’s be honest, you’re not going to pass up the opportunity to shoot the boss with a Paintball.

Cocktail Class

If you’re team or group needs a team building activity that helps you relax and unwind in 2018. Then you can’t go wrong with a Cocktail Class. Enjoy an evening with a mixologist as they show you all the skills you need to whip up some tasty, and strong, cocktails. A Cocktail Class is a brilliant team building activity that allows a team or group to learn more about each other in a relaxed environment. It also gives them the opportunity to the let their hair down and it’s fantastic way to boost team morale.

Dirt Buggy’s

Now this is a team building activity for those in search of an adrenaline rush or a high octane experience. You’ll spend the day getting down and dirty as you race around a mud covered track at high speeds. You’ll slide and skid in & out of corners and at the end of the day be probably be covered from head to toe in mud. It’s an incredible experience and one that we’re sure your team or group will love on their 2018 team building event.

Gin Tea Party

Lastly, and by no means least. A Gin Tea Party is going to be a huge hit with teams and groups in 2018. It’s a brilliant activity for those looking for something different on a team building day or night out. Its most definitely everyone in the office will love. There’s not many people I know that don’t like a tasty Gin. So, what are you waiting for? Take your team building night to the next level with a Gin Tea Party.

So, there you have it the Top 5 Team Building Activities in 2018! What will you choose?

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

The post Top 5 Team Building Activities in 2018 appeared first on BigPotatoes.