Team building activities in Ireland : Our top 5 is a toe dip into the vast array of activities available to those that want to organise a worthwhile team building experience for members of staff. The range goes from sedentary to pampering and from gut busting to high wire adrenaline pumping.

We at Bigpotatoes have a list as long as Desperate Dan’s arm but today we want to focus your mind on our top five.

1. Go-Karting

This one always hits the spot and the beauty is that while it’s an adrenaline rushing activity it’s always safe. The Karts are low slung vehicles with small wheels, fitted with safety gear and impossible to flip over. There are plenty of karting tracks both indoor and outdoor and dotted around the country. When you arrive at the track you are fitted with a special suit and helmet and made to feel like Jensen Button. Once in the car you have two objectives, beat your team mates and beat the clock. Lots of hair pin bends, sweeping corners and straight sections for overtaking. So why wait. Bang… you’re off!!

2. Off Roading

This is an experience for the petrol heads. This is 4×4 off road driving that will test the skill sets of the most committed “would be” rally driver or adventure motorist. There are many venues around Ireland that utilise abandoned trails, bogs, small rivers, steep inclines, mud baths and obstacles with frightening names such as coffin and twister. There are different courses, some will suit more experienced off road drivers and others are for starlet drivers. The team will be enthralled with this activity and will usually do three circuits of a course while navigating through “gates” that are usually situated at the most awkward part of the course. You can hire a 4×4 at the venues or have a go in your mothers Toyota Yaris. That should be fun!! www.motorsportireland.com

3. Assault courses

This is the daddy of all team building activities. It is what separates the sheep from the lambs. Team building for the good, the bad and the ugly. No place for wimps. It’s up to your arse in mud and muck as you physically challenge the course, your team and yourself. This makes a mockery of jogging in the park. There are several events, team events that can be used for personal development and team building. Tough Mudder, Mudfest and toughest Muckers are a few. It’s messy, very messy and challenging but

the adrenaline rush compensates for looking like a hippo after a mud bath. Competitors and team builders should be sure to have their spinach, like Popeye, before they head on a 10 k mud run. It takes team building to a new level, if you survive. Other forms of assault courses are zip wire and obstacle courses. If any team member was not in the habit of making mud pies as a child they might prefer a jog in the park.

4. Zorbing

Team building for head cases would be an appropriate way of describing Zorbing. It’s high octane stuff where team members are encased in a giant see-through plastic sphere before being rolled down an incline at speed. Just you and your vomit to keep you company. You are of course harnessed but the “Gawk” is not. Its crazy stuff and very popular but give it a skip if you suffer from motion sickness. “Burp”.. Sorry!!

5. Sailing

There was a time where it was the preserve of the G&T brigade in their white slacks and plimsoles. Not anymore baby. Yacht racing is regarded as one of the top 5 most dangerous sports in the world. It’s a great team building sport. There are 40 different classes of craft that run courses. www.sailing.ie There is also a great social side to this sport and it ranks in our team building activities in Ireland, our top 5.

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Summer BBQ for staff : 5 top do’s and don’ts like these are super useful. Sometimes it appears as if Christmas is still visible in the rear view mirror when the days get longer and you’re sucking in the smell of freshly mown grass. Summer has arrived and it is time to shake off the winter blues and get outside.

Time once again to organise the annual BBQ for all the staff at the company. Team leaders need to step up to the plate and recruit willing members for the BBQ team as the first step in putting the annual bash together. There are two ways of organising the annual Gig; firstly, the easy way and that is to hire in an outside caterer and just sit back with all the staff and team leaders and enjoy the stress less occasion. Secondly, get a team of volunteers together and do it the hard way. Yes, a self catering BBQ. The craic is mighty and it does give people a chance to show off skills that might not be apparent in their everyday work life.

Team leaders can make this a fun day or make a complete balls of it so getting it right is important.

So Bigpotatoes has put together a summer BBQ for staff; the top 5 do’s and don’ts

1. Do get everyone involved in the planning.

It’s a big undertaking and if the group is large there is a huge amount of work involved. We also know that most staff like to be involved in helping and it creates a better atmosphere and fosters better friendships. It gives normal team leaders a chance to evaluate other skill factors in their colleagues.

Do NOT go on a solo run or an ego trip so that all the glory falls into your lap with the attitude of “look what I can do”

2. Do select a proper venue.

It may be on the sports field attached to the business or in a beer garden attached to some watering hole. Be sure that you have access to power and water and that it’s in a sheltered area.

Do NOT pitch the BBQ on the top of a hill where the wind will make it difficult to keep the cooking running smoothly. Also make sure that access to the site is easy for vehicles. On a beach with access down a rocky slope gets you zero points.

3. Order proper quantities of food and booze.

If unsure ask a professional. Make sure that there are enough food containers, cutlery, plates, glasses, booze and bags of ice. Make a list and use the KISS philosophy. (keep it simple stupid)

Do NOT underestimate the quantities and at the same time do NOT grossly overestimate either. It’s bad enough being short on the day, but it is just as bad chucking oodles of leftover food into the bin. Make sure that the balance is right. Drinks can be done on a sale and return basis.

4. The actual BBQ itself can either be gas fired or charcoal.

Gas is easier and cleaner and gives better control. Get advice on the size of the BBQ to cater for a crowd. The hire people will guide you in the right direction. Start cooking in plenty of time so there’s no one dropping from starvation.

Do NOT use throw away tin foil trays with a few knobs of charcoal for a large group. Be professional in your approach. Also do NOT leave metal tongs or forks lying on the hot flames. Going to A&E in the middle of the event with burnt hands with spoil your day.

5. Be sure to order enough tables and chairs so that everyone is comfortable while eating.

Also remember the fair skinned Irish, they will need to sit in the shade so order some parasols.

Do NOT get plastered by drinking on an empty stomach as you pretend to be Gordon Ramsey at the Summer BBQ for staff.

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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.

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Extreme sports team building: White water rafting? Why not! We have had a wide range of team building and team bonding activities reviewed at this stage. Some are great fun, like paintballing or kayaking. Some are exciting and give a great buzz, like activity courses, go-karting and buggy driving. Others can be described a very pleasant experiences. The spa and pamper afternoon for men are in this category. And, there is a massive range of pampering facilities available for ladies, of course! Then we have the sedentary team building exercise. Here, only the only drops of sweat are on the waiter’s forehead as the team relaxes having afternoon tea on the lawn by the shores of the Lakes of Killarney.

We have a range of team activities that stretch from plus one to nine on our activity Richter scale and everything in between.

Today we are going to view a team building event that goes outside that scope.

This team building exercise will get the adrenaline pumping and the heart racing. Today we are taking a look at a spine tingling and exhilaration team sport that will rock your team to the core. We are going white water rafting in Scotland. Make sure that the company accountant is aware that you and your business team are sticking the hand out for a good budget! One that will get you and your team up into the Scottish mountains where the tumbling river torrents have venom and little mercy.

It’s cold, fast and furious. And, when you think you have reached the pinnacle of excitement, the raft lunges down another turbulent narrow gorge. Framed with threatening rocks and lofty Scottish pines, each turn makes your heart tastes salty as in bounces into the back of your mouth. Your instinct is to scream but your voice was left on the last bank at the top of the incline.

The yellow rubber raft is four meters long; it’s robust and carries six victims – sorry! team members!

Each member has a wet suit, helmet and life jacket and holds a paddle. Each raft has an instructor who roars out instructions as the yellow machine goes from naught to sixty in three seconds. Did I mention the steering wheel? No? that’s because there isn’t one. Guiding this water toboggan down the rocky water chute, over weirs, around bends, through raging pools is done by the six on board using their paddles. Therefore, a practice is first held in the calmness of a peaceful pool at the head of the river.

The instructor will advise in how to use the paddles. They will tell you and your team to be alert to her instructions as the craft bounces down the ravine. You will be told that there is a possibility of falling overboard and getting separated from the craft. There is also the possibility of the craft overturning and getting trapped underneath and how to deal with that. At this point you’re approaching cardiac arrest, and that’s even before its game on.

This is a team effort, a team building exercise that is purely high octane stuff, adrenaline rush that goes faster than the water.

Because of the altitude and the time of year and because it is far north, it is freezing. Sympathy is stuffed down behind the couch back at the hotel. The instructions are clear and you paddle out of the calm pool. Literally, the gate is open and the bull is ready for the ring with a big desire to get the riders off his back. The craft lunges forward amid the screams. Game on baby!

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Well, how long is a piece of string?

If you need to build sandcastles you go to a beach, if you need to go sailing you go to sea, and if your team decides that mountain climbing is the perfect event for them then it’s off into the country and find a mountain range.

Horses for courses: So then why would we think it strange that the team would select Dublin as a destination for team building? It is the capital city of the country and has the greatest and most diverse range of activities than anywhere else in the country! When it comes to team building and group bonding that we are all on different pages at the beginning. It takes time, effort, leadership and coaxing to sometimes get a consensus. Nothing wrong with that really and it does show democracy at work. Someone always needs to put their hand up and take the initiative. It’s what happens. Others prefer to be led than and that’s fine too. The whole point about leadership get-a ways and team building events is it opens up opportunities for those who neither are, nor regarded as natural leaders.

It also brings out qualities that may not be apparent in an office environment. It gives all participants a chance to see what other members can bring to the party. Just because a team member it red hot at computing doesn’t mean that they are dumb when it comes to outdoor pursuits or outdoor team leadership. There’s many a gem hidden under a corporate rock and a spell away from the work environment can often help to unearth such gems. So let’s bring it on.

Back to Dublin and the reasons for selecting it as a corporate event outing destination for the team.

The variety of activities, places of interest, art galleries, hotels, pubs, restaurants are as long as they are interesting.

Whatever we find in other places in Ireland, we can find the whole bundle of them in Dublin. Dublin is not just the capital of Ireland now, it’s a vibrant European city and pretty much like New York, it’s a city that never sleeps. The only drawback is probably the extent of the activities. There will surely be some disagreement within the group as to what is a priority. This takes the team back to the reality of democracy and consensus. THE main attractions are the art galleries and the museums, the range of bridges spanning the river liffey. The enormity of the phoenix park, which houses the Zoo and the Aras, home of the President of Ireland is not fully appreciated.

It totals over 1700 acres and is bigger than Central park in New York and Hyde Park in London. There are lots of other main stream activities to keep the team happy.

Another reason for selecting Dublin as a destination for the team is its access.

The main railway hub in Ireland is at Heuston Station and it services the south, the south east and the west of Ireland. A second station at Connolly serves the north east and Belfast. Dublin airport is now one of the busiest in Europe and has connections to multiple destinations in not just Europe but worldwide. Ferries sail in and out of Dublin Port every day to the UK and continental Europe. So it your group or team are planning a spell in Dublin and moving on as a part of that team building exercise all travelling options are open. Finally, Dublin as we have stated is not just the capital of Ireland, a European city, but is a multicultural location that can compete with the best in the world at anytime.

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Kinsale on the south coast of Ireland is generally classified as the gourmet capital of Ireland. There are more top class restaurants per block than you could shake a stick at. While the restaurant, hotel and tourist industry in Kinsale is vibrant, the town itself has some beautiful quaint shops and winding streets. Of course we often overlook the fact that Kinsale is a stone’s throw from the ocean. The town itself is built on the river Bandon. The river flows past the town and swings right and passes between Charles fort and James fort. Kinsale was a marine fortress used by the English navy from the year 1601.

Getting to Kinsale is easy for your team. A bus service runs regularly from Cork city a mere thirty minute away. Off the quay wall on the left as you pass through Kinsale town is the yacht marina.

The first Adrenaline hit :

The first Adrenaline hit will come as your team makes its way down the causeway and onto the marina. Your chariot awaits, all thirty odd feet of this modern sailing boat. While your team will be instructed will be expected to take full part in crewing the craft on tasks. This is while they learn about safety features, dangers and nautical terminology.

When the Instructions to the team are over, the skipper will cast off the shore lines and motor away from the marina. The prevailing wind is south westerly so in order to hoist the main sail and the bow of the boat is set into the wind. Therefore minimising the pressure on the sail. Team members will be asked to use the winches in order to get the sail up tight. And, another team member will be shown how to secure to rope in a jam cleat. The boat is steered off when the sail is secured.

The second adrenaline rush :

The second adrenaline rush will kick in at this point as the boat leans over and moves forward at the same time.

The headsail is then unfurled and tightened by hauling it in on a winch in the cockpit. The pressure on the ropes from the strength of the wind will be considerable. It will take two team members or crew members to complete that task. As the wind is coming from the south west and as the boat is heading in a southerly direction out the harbour the boat picks up speed.

The third adrenaline rush :

The third adrenaline rush is just a moment away. A gust of wind known as a squall hits the boat and she puts her lower deck down into the tide. Ropes are slackened slightly to counter balance while at the same time the boat picks up more speed. The thrills are more frequent as the boat reacts to the weather and tosses spray back along the deck and the team.

The fourth Adrenaline rush :

The fourth Adrenaline rush hits the button as the boat reaches the mouth of the harbour by the bullman buoy and encounters the Atlantic waves. Not only has she her ear down in the surf but she is plugging into some serious waves and weather. Thrilling stuff but not for the feint hearted.

The fifth Adrenaline rush :

The fifth Adrenaline rush comes as the skipper turns the boat and heads back in shore. It requires all ropes to be slackened and allow the sail to be set on the opposite side adding to an exhilarating team day out.

So organise a sailing trip like this for your team! All of that adrenaline will get the blood pumping and clear out the cobwebs. This activity is perfect for the team that is mostly based in an office.

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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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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.

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The four high adrenaline team activities worth talking about

WE must think of increased heart rate, tingling sensation, being on the edge, adrenaline rush, lung bursting, exhilarating and breath taking if we want to get that fulfilling electrifying experience.

There’s a lot of movement required to push all those buttons.

Again, this comes with a health warning to the team leaders. Not that any of the activities are going to be a danger to life and limb. They are all suitably supervised and the proper gear and safety measures are paramount. But life in the slow lane may not ever be the same again.

As you lead your team onto one of these amazing gob smacking adventures and then expect them to put on a shirt and tie and be energized going forward, from just the chat at the water cooler or a game of pitch and putt, think again buddy.

As you rev up your team for the occasion and you drive the “thrill button” up several notches be prepared for an adrenaline hangover. You may achieve your goal in bonding and team building. But a day out with the people from the office will never be the same again. Talk to management first about increasing the recreational budget before you stick your feet into the wet cement.

Let’s start with the obstacle course. Get a serious one: don’t do short cuts or sissy stuff. You want a full military designed course that will leave your team sweaty and exhausted on completion.

Crawling through mud and under attack from the enemy; Razor wire curing the itch on your back, up and over the horizontal pole wall with the clock against you and your team and the opposing team breathing fire down your neck. Struggle to get up the vertical nets before climbing the hanging ropes. Then onto the zip wire that takes you right through the freezing river water. At what feels like a hundred miles an hour. The rubber tractor tyre obstacles will definitely put manners on the calf muscles before the sprint to the safety of the finishing line. If you and your team are not on your hands and knees gasping for air at that stage, and saying a few Hail Mary’s. Then you have turned up at the wrong venue. That’s one that will soften the cough of the whole team.

Parachute Jumping; correct, parachute jumping.

Be warned, if your team or any of them are scared of heights. This may not be your team building cup of tea. That said, once members exit the door of the aircraft and the rip cord opens the parachute, it’s just pure buzz. Silence as the plane vanishes out of sight and the manic sensation of the wind rushing past your face kicks in and you float gently downwards. The views as you drift on air currents. That only the eagles and skylarks get to experience will be forever locked in your memory bank.

This is toe curling stuff and reaches its crescendo as the soles of your boots line up to touch terra firma once again. As you connect with the earth and your team does likewise. You will attempt to gather in your chute as you get your bum off the grass. It is quite likely that you will hear your team shouting and whooping as they spill out their emotions.

As it’s hard for your team to beat that in terms of high octane activities. The number three on the list of four is a return jump from the same aircraft.

Last but not least is a bungee jump over the Water. Weather and location will play a vital part in this. Again, like the last activity, anyone without a head for heights or knowing that their arse has left its original body position and now appears to be stuck in their helmet as they descend at a frightening speed towards the water below only to be checked by the elastic bungee, should just go and have a cup of tea.

So, which of The four high adrenaline team activities worth talking about would you choose?

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The top four adventure activities in Ireland

We go back here to “one man’s meat is another man’s poison”

“Different strokes for different folks”

Playing golf on an 18 hole golf course that takes several hours will be viewed by some as Nirvana. While someone else considers it “a good walk spoiled”

Generally speaking we are looking at high octane adventure activities and so in keeping with the philosophy of team building and team activities we will put the focus on exhilarating sports.

Karting

Top of the list for most teams has got to be Karting. Customised Karts and cleverly designed race tracks are two of the main ingredients for this spine tingling sport. There is of course much more to it than that and we will touch on all those factors as we progress. The Karts themselves are powered by small petrol engines. The more competent a driver you are the bigger the engine capacity of your vehicle. The aerodynamic design of the Kart means that the wheels are small and the body very close to the ground. This allows them to be driven at a maximum speed of sixty miles an hour.

Not frightening fast on a motorway, but fast enough to get the juices flowing on a specially designed race track. Tight corners, left and right hand bends and fast straight runs all add to the thrill of the race. Proper safety clothes and helmets are worn and drivers are advised on how to perform. After a practice lap your car is timed electronically by control staff that measure the time to do a lap. In team events groups can have their lap times added together and so work out the winners with the fastest lap times.

Dirt Buggies

On the same theme of driving it is worth looking at buggy driving on rough terrain. The buggies are specially designed metal cars with carefully adapted suspension, anti roll bars, seat belts and very robust bodies that allow the participants or teams race over undulating terrain. This could be sand dunes but more likely a disused quarry.

A large shallow pool, steep climbs and bumpy ground means that the drivers have to have full concentration at all times. It allows team organisers and their teams a chance to do what is forbidden on the public roads and go like the clappers. This activity is a must for the “living on the edge freak”

Kayaking

Getting away from self propelled is a must at some stage and what better way than Kayaking. There are lots of different locations in Ireland that are little gems for this activity. Two that jump off the page are Bantry bay and Killary Fjord. One on the beautiful south coast and close to the historic town of Bantry and the other in the rugged west of Ireland accessed through Connemara.

Different terrains and different experiences visually at least; However, the concept and kayak’s are pretty much the same as you slip into a one man “canoe” and propel and guide it with your paddle, a spoon in each end of the pole. Instructors are always on hand to guide participants and ensure that all on the water are never in any danger. The thrill is being so close to the water without actually being in it. Sea birds and fish in clear water are a joy to watch in this thrilling and silent sport.

Surfing

Surfing on the West of Ireland is another must for the outdoor freak and adrenaline junkie.  Anywhere from Dingle bay to Donegal is as challenging as it gets for the lovers of mighty waves and rolling surf. Any of the water activities web sites will have details of the best locations depending on the wind and weather. It’s not for the feint hearted but if it’s thrill a minute stuff your team are after, this will push all the buttons.

So, which of The top four adventure activities in Ireland will you choose for your next team building event?

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Five reasons your rugby team needs a trip away

It could easily be escape, escape, escape, escape and escape:

It all depends on multiple factors as we all know. Nothing is simple when it comes to life or taking a rugby trip away. The most important factor apart from the multiple factors is the good old fashioned break.

It also helps to rejuvenate and re build team bonding and team leadership. They are the critical factors but they may not necessarily be the prime motivator in the urge to take a trip away.

Destination

Let us consider first of all, a destination. Somewhere that is easily accessible from the Emerald Isle. Wales has got to be top of the list as it is the spiritual home of rugby. While the provincial teams may be hitting a rocky patch, the smaller clubs in the towns and valley’s are thriving. The Welsh are our Gaelic first cousins, so to speak and share our tastes and humour. They would also bite your hand off for a chance to compete against an Irish club team. Most of the rugby teams in this country would have contacts with their Welsh counterparts so setting up a challenge game with a lash of pints afterwards, hotels and transport would be just a formality. Failing that the local IRFU branch would be well capable of steering a club in the right direction. Now that the location has been suggested, let’s get back to the reasons for such a trip. Of course it will have a lot to do with team building, team bonding, team friendship and team development but there are other aspects as well.

Reasons for the Trip

One of the principle reasons, depending on the time of year could be team reward. The season is long and tough and if the team ends up doing well or even winning the division title, then what can be a better team reward than taking the squad to Wales for a game of rugby and a good old knee’s up. It certainly helps pay back for the long torturous hours pushing a scrumage machine around a muddy surface with fellow team mates sweating bricks and ignoring the lashing rain in mid winter.

This is what separates the men from the boys but it also shows the commitment to the team and team building. That type of team bonding and team closeness cannot be purchased off a shelf in a sports store. Most team members would just love and away trip like that to Wales. Both countries are well served by air and sea connections.

Team Rewards

Another reason for a trip away to Wales could just be a thank you for the team that did not set the world on fire but showed great team spirit and drove on hard during the miserable winter months when the option of being coerced in to watching one of the soaps on television from the comfort of the couch often had more appeal. These are the players that deserve that break away. They may not be world beaters but they are the life blood of any club. These are the future of any club. These are the real team players. The team leaders going forward;

Underage teams are not just the present, they are the future. The future players, the future senior teams and the future team leaders.  Team leaders in this context does not necessarily mean team rugby players but team leaders in society. Business team leaders, hospital team leaders and political team leaders.

What they learn from team playing will stand to them all through their lives and so arranging a trip to Wales for the underage group will help with their development.

Developing international friendships by taking teams abroad helps to build relationships with people that don’t live in the same parish as us. Also understand how they view life and how they see us in a way that we don’t see ourselves. It goes towards building international team relationships with ultimately bring peace to all.

The final reason, of our five reasons your rugby team needs a trip away. We touched at the top; Escape.

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The top three reasons it’s so important to team build

Trying to solve problems or develop ideas is naturally built into all of us and while much of the time we try to work things out for ourselves by ourselves.

Very commendable of course but think of it slightly differently. How much more successful the outcome might be if the approach was shared, in other words a team effort. We will examine the main benefits of team building, team bonding, and sharing team experiences as we look at the top three reasons as to why it is so important to team build.

Was it not Edison who once said after he was criticised for making ten thousand false attempts in perfecting the light bulb, “It’s not that I made ten thousand mistakes, but found ten thousand ways that it won’t work”.

Perhaps if Mr. Edison had been part of a team or team building or had a team working around him. He may well have solved the problem much sooner.

The first of our top three team building benefits is achieving goals.

Life is full of challenges and while we can individually rise to any challenge the benefits and results of working together as a team and in particular as we team build will accelerate the end result and more than likely also enhance it. This is most obvious say in team sports. While an argument will be made that a team sport is exactly what it says, a team sport. It is possible to have a team of very gifted and accomplished sports people playing together as a team and not functioning properly. It’s called individualism, brilliant at executing a particular skill but not functioning in a team set up.

In order to achieve the target, the individuals need to bond, need to team build, need to understand all other players and the part that they play in making the team strong. Make the team a unit by team building. Team leadership is important in building this concept. External leadership by a team leader or head coach, but internal team leaders in different areas of the team set up. Team leadership is particularly important in the game of rugby, for instance. It is often noted by commentators that a team had great team leaders all over the pitch. Forwards, backs, defenders, attackers, line jumpers and in the pack. So in order to achieve their goals, team building is paramount for success.

Personal Skills Building

As part of team building we develop interpersonal skills and we learn from others as we share ideas. Team building is not a one way street. It’s two way traffic; as you learn from a team member on the strengths and views as they see things and at the same time you can teach them on the basis of your own experience. That is applicable to all team sports but it also applies to everyday life. How many of our greyer population never had the opportunity of attending a third level college. Yet the experiences that these people have had, as they say, in the University of Life; can have a huge effect impact in team building in the progression of life’s goals.

One of the unseen benefits of team building is the development of friendships and social interaction. Man, and woman for that matter were not meant to be alone or solitary. Just by nature alone we see the necessity for the procreation. So that the world has its guardians and team leaders as time moves on. Friendship and personal attractions are not just essential for team building but more importantly for the good of humanity.

So, when you’re planning your next team building event. Don’t forget The top three reasons it’s so important to team build.

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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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Scavenger hunts – the most fun you will have on a team day out

Scavenger hunts or as they were known in a previous existence, treasure hunts are a fantastic and funny way to do team building or just a fun work team day out.

It’s important to stress also that team building events are not necessarily confined to work colleagues but can work brilliantly for a group of friends or neighbours interested in team building, challenging themselves as they break into teams.

It can also involve birthday party teams or hen and stag party teams.

In today’s world, team building, among younger employees especially has shifted from a paper based team event to an electronic or digital based team event.

In practical terms, it is possible to combine both forms as event teams usually have a mix of ages.  There are a myriad of types of scavenger hunt ideas floating about. Bigpotatoes.ie is well positioned to guide your event team in the right direction.  Is this a good team building event? Will all the elements of a scavenger hunt make the team event a memorable team event day out?  Let’s put the benefits on the table and see how a team day out would work well for a mixed, multinational and culturally diverse team of people.

Of course we have to be cognizant of the fact that all teams are made up of different age bracket people.

Some people on the event team of a certain age may prefer to test themselves using the good old fashioned paper, pencil and local maps. Paper of course.

What is a Scavenger Hunt?

Practically all the scavenger hunt templates are based on working out a set of clues and getting to an end point. It’s definitely a team event as flying solo on this one would be a bore. The team can be of any size. But in a team building exercise it is better that a large group is broken into smaller teams. Teams by their nature are set to challenge each other. It brings out the competitive edge as teams strive to outdo each other.

Typically a team building scavenger hunt event will start off with a briefing. The itinerary will be carefully detailed so that all teams are on the same page. At this stage the large team is divided into smaller teams. Hand out, instructions, tasks and electronic tablets, in some instances will be distributed to the teams. Fun elements are these days introduced, such as funny photos of the team in unusual positions.

Teams need to be careful on approaching strangers for directions. As sometimes wringers are selectively and strategically placed to give the team false information and disadvantage them in the team event point scoring at the end of the hunt. When the final point is reached and the teams converge, scores can be assessed and prize giving takes place. Rounding off the team building day with a prearranged dinner and refreshments is also a good idea. Videos and photos can be viewed and exchanged and all teams can share in the hilarity.

There are some more team building scavenger hunt ideas that are in vogue like disarming an imitation device in a so called nuclear power station. As we get deeper into the digital age more whacky ideas are possible. Dublin is a great place for team building treasure hunts with buckets of options. A team day out will hit the button for practically all teams.

Benefits of a Scavenger Hunt

The benefits for team building are terrific.

The teams must be creative. There is a sense of team inclusiveness. Setting challenges for your team in a fun environment and of course a chance for all teams to explore the city.

Finally, if you’re interested in a scavenger hunt as your team building event. Drop us a line today on info@bigpotatoes.ie.

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The top 5 things one should never do at a work event

Work events, especially when the company is providing the members of staff an opportunity to team build can be a great team day out. However, here are the top 5 things one should never do at a work event.

We must all be aware that there are boundaries that we must adhere to.

Just because it’s a casual team day out at the company’s expense doesn’t mean that team members of either sexes can behave in a manner that does them a disservice and upsets and puts strain on other team members.

There are lots and lots of ways that a team day out can be a great success. It can promote team inclusiveness; learn about people’s hobbies and how they live their lives outside the work environment and their work team.

Dress code

The first thing team members should really do is be appropriately dressed for the occasion. There is more to that that being modestly dressed. If the team members are meeting in a country or rural setting, team players should wear sensible clothes, even bring flat shoes or wellington boots if the day is going to be wet.

If the team is going to get involve in boating event or water sports put on proper gear and lots of it as it can be cold at sea even on warm days.

My advice for team building in the city and if it is early in the day, is to be dressed in a smart casual way. An evening event for the team should be done with a bit of glamour.

To recap on point one, fella’s should not turn up for the team event wearing track suit bottoms and a hoodie. Likewise, ladies should not wear skirts too short, boob tubes and dress like a slapper.

Stay Sober

The second point is to stay sober. Team building events are a way of letting members of the company relax and enjoy the day out. As a team member, do not stick your head into the trough and drink like you were a camel getting ready for a trip across the desert. Getting plastered on the free bar counter raises all sorts of problems. Team members are always watching. You are always being observed.

Don’t let the team down. When your back teeth are submerged, the words will slur and you will begin to talk through a different part of your anatomy. Ladies falling off their stilettos is a most undignified sight. Next casualty is the eyesight. You can’t identify anyone and your thought and speech filter gets switched off. As a team member you become an embarrassment and spoil the team day out for all the other team mates.

No Offensive Remarks

The third is making inappropriate remarks to a team colleague. This is offensive and upsetting and can lead to a strained relationship with fellow work colleagues in the days that follow. The dreaded drink can be an influencing factor in this case. All people have feelings so respect theirs. Once the words come out, like tooth paste, it’s impossible to get it back into the tube. Respect your team mates.

Emotional Feelings

The fourth is something that all team players must keep under control. Personal emotional feelings and perhaps fantasy designs on one of the team must be controlled. Just because it’s the team day out does not give any team member the right to make an inappropriate pass at another member of the team. Does booze play any part in this behavior, of course it does. The moral compass starts to move off true north and fix on anyone that looks attractive.

The Big One

Number five and final one, don’t racially abuse any team member at any time

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It’s amazing really that in a world and at a time when engineers are desperately trying to perfect driverless cars. People absolutely love to get behind “The Wheel” and have a go. Nowhere is that more evident than on karting circuits. As a team building exercise it ranks close to the top. The buzz that’s generated among team participants when karting is proposed as a team building event is palpable.

What is it that gets team members so excited? After all it is just a low slung car on small tyres with an engine the equivalent to the size of one on a small motorbike.

Perhaps team members just love the idea of racing on a track and splitting into teams and competing against each other. Karting certainly gets the adrenaline rushing. Team competitors can travel at a top speed of about 60 miles per hour.

Competition is the common denominator in sporting occasions that involve team building. That so, but that on its own would not be one of the top reasons for kart loving as a team building event. It has to be taken in conjunction with other factors. Many of the team building Karting events are held at night under floodlights. This adds another level of excitement to the team event.  The mystique is further enhanced with the check-in, fitting of special racing drivers multicolored suits, the team getting fitted out with helmets and gloves and teams been selected from the main team building group.

Next, team competitors upload their individual details plus car number into computers. So that each individual team member will have his or her lap time monitored and recorded and printed out for comparison after the race. Each team will add their combined totals and those with the quickest times and lowest numbers will be the winners.

This of course generates more competition as individual team members and for that matter individual teams. They will be anxious to improve their performances and score better times.

The second reason and most important one why team building driving karts is so addictive is the actual race itself. As drivers are not scaring the daylights out of each other on the track or bend. They do compete against themselves as they try to up their lap speeds.

The third reason has got to be the noise of the machines. Add in the smell of fuel, the challenge on the corners and the instinctive built in challenge in all of us. But in particular in the team competitors to push as hard as possible and as close to the edge of danger as is humanly possible. That does get the adrenaline pumping.

As we have said, the cars are small and close to the ground so flipping them over is nearly impossible. The health and safety of team building group is paramount so track organisers keep a close monitoring eye on procedures. Travelling at 60 miles per hour so close to the road also adds to the excitement and adds to the joy of the sport.

The fourth reason why team building by karting is loved by team participants. It’s the fantasy illusion of driving a real racing machine, belting along the track, breaking at corners, speeding out of the bends and trying to get faster than the other team members while improving your performance on every lap.

The fifth reason has to be the interaction of the team members after the racing. The team bonding and the friendships that are being built up which ultimately helps improve performances in the work environment.

Photos, videos and time cards from the night out are great to have.

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Why a day away from the office is always a good idea

“And on the seventh day the lord rested” was what we were taught in school so whether you believe or not, it was mentioned thousands of years ago. Even then, rest was seen as a necessity for the recovery of the body

We are human beings and not robots, well not at the moment anyway, so we do get tired. We do get stale and do need a break to recharge the batteries as they say.

More like recharging the body and the mind. Rest is an important component in our daily lives. In the modern world the pace of life is frantic and that is most illustrated in the nature of business in the commercial world. Take for instance that Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive can run 100 meters in less than ten seconds. In that same ten seconds 120 million transactions are done electronically between London and the USA. It’s hard to get one’s head around statistics like that. That is the pace of modern life and that does take a toll on people in offices generating these speeds and numbers.

Time lines are frantic split second demands. Office people are expected not to just  to keep pace but to be ahead of the curve all the time. Stress levels go up through the roof and burn out is common practice. Mental health issues are becoming a real worry in today’s world.

What’s the answer we ask ourselves?

Take time out. Get a day away from the office and suck in some peace and tranquility. Before you do that, take an hour out in peace and quiet. If possible and you can get to the sea shore, find a spot for a calm sit down. Shut your mind down. Chuck all the electronic devices into the bag and open your ears to the sounds around you. You’d be amazed at the beauty of small waves gently and softly kissing the beach as the tide ebbs. It’s a repetitive sound and nearly hypnotic but so soothing. Cock your head back and listen to the bird song close by and in the distance.

Listen

The thrilling sound of a swallow’s piercing call or the shrill screech of the swift as they climb and dive picking out flies while on the wing. Listen to the chirping of sparrows in the hedgerows and the warbling of the waders as they stroll along through the bubbles on the edge of the tide searching for their food. Crows nesting in the trees on the estuary will add a non musical tone to proceedings. All that sound can be interrupted by the coughing of a tractor engine laboring on a far off incline. Slowly your mind will drift and be in harmony with the wonder of nature surrounding and engulfing you.

Your thoughts will evaporate and you will forget that the world has moved into the fast lane. Here as you sit soaking up the glorious wonders around you, you will be transported into a bubble of peacefulness. Drop your head back and watch the clouds drift across the pale blue sky.

That was just the lunch break, an hour out of the office environment and light years away from the pressures of the rat race.

Now as you pick up you’re your bits and pieces and head back to the ball and chain by your desk, try and imagine how much benefit a whole absolutely huge day out of the office would benefit your body and mind.

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

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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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5 reasons why Cork is the best location for team building

There is nowhere better than Cork as a location for team building. Ireland is like a square with four distinctive sides. Cork, is the bottom section or more correctly the southern part.

All sides are washed by the sea as we are a small island and as Cork has the second best natural harbor in the world. It’s an ideal location for team building activities involving marine and water sports.

Let’s take just five reasons why Cork is the best location for team building.

Cork is easily accessible by Road from all major Cities in Ireland, has an excellent rail network servicing the main centers of population. It has an International airport for groups coming from abroad using Cork as a team building venue.

In Cork Harbour, The Royal Cork Yacht Club, founded in 1720 is an ideal location to get into team sailing under supervision. Cobh, on the other side of Cork Harbour is another brilliant spot to do some water sports. Where team building will involve maneuvering sailing or motor vessels in the safety of the harbor and under the excellent control of seasoned mariners.

A trip to the historic Spike Island where military games are organized for teams competing against each other in an action packed couple of hours where teams will rely on each other to avoid all sorts of obstacles in the outdoor theatre. This is a fantastic team building and thought provoking experience that will require multitasking and leadership skills. Cobh is connected to Cork City by rail, has some excellent bars, restaurants and of course the famous titanic centre.

Cork County

Cork and the surrounding area is spoilt for choice when it comes to Golf. What better way to get your company’s staff into team building and competitive mode than whacking the small white ball over some of the most stunning scenic golf courses in the world. Top of the list here has got to be the Old head of Kinsale Golf Club. This magnificent course is surrounded by the wild Atlantic Ocean on three sides. Divide up your group into competitive teams and make team building one of the most memorable ever. The Town of Kinsale, only thirty kilometers from Cork city and easily accessible by public transport is regarded as the gourmet capital of Ireland. There are several top hotels to choose from.

Deep sea fishing is another wonderful way of team building. Splitting the group into teams and competing for the heaviest catch of the day. Boats and skilled operators are available in Crosshaven and Cobh.  Fishing gear is provided as are life jackets.

Cork City

In Cork City itself there are several indoor games arenas where team building in the form of competitive sport can be nurtured. What can be more fun and in out of the changeable weather than ten pin bowling. One of the best in the country is in the heart of the city and close to hotels, bars and restaurants on McCurtain Street. McCurtain Street is becoming the New Orleans of Cork and a great spot for team builders to wind down and enjoy the music, food and drink into the early hours as the organizers of the team building group analyse the performances of their charges from earlier in the day.

Outside Cork city is a karting track. Now this must be the daddy of team building.

Split the corporate group into different teams and do a “formula one” competition in these brilliant Go Karts. Points can be totaled and teams can be assessed on speed, ability and leadership. And it’s only a fifteen minute drive has the team building group back in the City.

So, there you have it. 5 reasons why Cork is the best location for team building. Finally, I also threw in few extra reasons why Cork is such a fantastic location for a team building event. Because it’s just that good.

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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.

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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! 

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