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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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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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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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.

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

Party Planning Experts

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

Save Money

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

Customer Service

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

Only The Best

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

Best Locations

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

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

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After Work Drinks in Cork City

The weekend is nearly here, well that’s what I keep tell myself. And like you I’m slowing counting down the minutes until it’s time to call it a week. One thing I love to do when possible is enjoy a drink after work in Cork City before popping home to relax for the night. Here are just a few of my suggestions for After Work Drinks in Cork City with you colleagues!

Electric

A brilliant after work drinks venue before the rush of the weekend arrives. Electric sits in a fantastic spot along the River Lee. It’s serves great drinks and cocktails. And when the sun is shining the place is a hive of activity as everyone enjoys a few drinks in the sun by the water and on the grass outside.

Sextant

I’ve put the Sextant on my list as I pass it on my way home from work. It’s not smack bang in the city centre but nevertheless it’s a great place to meet for some after work drinks. It’s cosy on a cold evening and open and airy on a warm evening with it’s outdoor space. The pints have a taste of more off them.

Soho

Another top city centre bar for an after work refreshment. Soho is my bar of choice if I’m looking to enjoy a beer and catch a match also. The big screen means wherever you are in the bar you’ll see all the action.

Mutton Lane

If you’re looking for a bar that’s tucked away from the evening rush then Mutton Lane is for you. It’s down a narrow street, of Patrick’s street and pours a fantastic pint. They also have a few craft beers on tap should you fancy changing it up. I do drink more than just Murphy’s.

Rising Sons

Lastly on my list of places for After Work Drinks in Cork City is the Rising Sons on Cornmarket Street. It serves up its own fantastic beer which is brewed in house. Also they’ll have any big match on the screen and have a Foosball table to take on a work colleague. When you’ve worked up an appetite they have a wonderful selection of pizzas too.

So there you have it folks. Just a few of my suggestions for some After Work Drinks in Cork City! Is there any places you enjoy a quiet one after work you’d like to share? Drop us an email on info@bigpotatoes.ie!

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