It is important when planning a team building exercise that you factor in things such as skills which may be transferable to life outside of the workplace and can be used in a more practical element in the day to day  life. This is our- Cooking for a team building exercise. 

Strong bonds developed

When you are going to get your team together to complete your activity it is important that you communicate. Especially when you’re cooking, not everyone will have the same skill levels as some of the people within the class. It offers a chance to help and assist others in completing tasks. This strengthens the bonds of the company. These bonds grow even stronger in the office environment when working as part of a team work project. 

Sharing ideas 

When you are in a cooking environment you will be asked to do certain tasks.  These tasks can be done in a number of ways. When people are completing these tasks you will be sharing and explaining to other members of staff how you usually conduct these tasks on a daily basis. This can be done in a office environment when you are trying to communicate and work as a team. 

Showing off Talents 

In an office environment it can be very difficult to get a sense of some of the people’s skills from the workplace. Unless you work in a kitchen. These skills can be shown in a range of the ways in the team building day.  Many people in the lunch room or canteen bring in some delicious foods. Leaving us very impressed by their cooking skills.

Conclusion 

Overall, some of the skills that I have mentioned above we take for granted in completing the tasks within a office environment. Some of company’s have poor communication between the different departments. These are   a fun solution to your problems from a management side and some from a staff side which they get to know each other.

For more ideas and suggestions on office outings and events visit our website.

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When you are a teacher, there are other teachers spread throughout classrooms in the school. A large portion of the workload is connected with another class. It is essential that teachers have gone through some team building exercise’s on a night away.  Here are the top four reasons Large staff numbers , cooperation between teachers ,  long workload , busy seasons. 

Large Staff Numbers 

In many schools all over the county this is a growing problem. That the amount of students are increasing and putting greater demand on the amount of teachers needed. In some areas of the city there might be three or four teachers all teaching the same class or subject. Some members of staff only know staff by their first name and know very little about the person. Even though they might be in the same area each day. When you are completing a team building exercise it will is important to get to know people that you may not have met before.

Co-operation Between Teachers 

When you are working in a school environment it is important that members of staff get along. As during the school year you will need assistance for the different tasks you need to complete. To get to know someone well you will be required to take 24hrs away from your busy day. This is so you can go away to stay in location overnight and get to know work colleagues as a team. In a school environment, team work and cooperation is one of the main building blocks. 

Long Workload  

When many people think of a teachers profession they are always saying it is a very easy job and you only work less than half of the year. The best thing of all is the holiday as you get midterm off and Christmas and midterm and Easter and summer holidays. Even though it may sound very easy on paper it is very difficult to complete the required information in a very small allocated time frame. As many teachers will know there are very limited resources.  When you are on the night away completing a team building activity it is very important to relax and unwind with work colleagues. As this helps group to mix better.

Busy Seasons 

When in the run up to the busy seasons like Christmas and Summer. You will be faced to rely on the help from different people within the staff more as this will be the time of the year where you are completing Christmas concerts or summer test.  It is very important that you know your fellow staff members well so that you can ask for their advice and help throughout these busy periods. 

Conclusion 

It does not matter what size your school is, whether it’s a big or small school to complete a team building exercise is vital for staff to mix as a group. A teacher will always be able to offer assistance to help out a fellow member of staff. 

For more information and ideas on staff parties visit our website.

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There are hundreds of activity centres scattered around every inch of the country. Many times you hardly notice that some are such close proximity to your business.  These Centres provide an escape from a daily routine and doing activity’s which can be only dreamed of. Here are a few reasons as to why we love activity centre’s.

Escape from Routine 

When going in and out to work every day of the week. It can get very repetitive. When your staff know that they are going to be going on an activity day, they will be looking forward to the idea. This is when the staff relax and unwind and get to know each other in a relaxed environment. 

Well Earned Reward 

When after completing ongoing tasks the list seems never ending. The most wanted thing is to relax and unwind. The sigh of relief from your staff when you’re finally completed the last task before going to the activity centre will be unbelievable. This is when the staff relaxes and unwinds and feels valued from the employer. This benefit your company in the long run when your staff feeling valued and feeling like they belong to the company. 

Getting to know your staff

When doing an activity in activity centre. The management of your company will all be doing the same activity and will get to know your staff very quickly as they will be in the same teams  as other members of staff.  This will ensure that all of your staff is on the same basis. It’s very important for your staff to feel that they are on the same level as the mangers. If they are not they will communicate openly and honestly to each other. This will ensure all of the relevant ideas for the tasks are passed onto the company. 

Doing something Different  

The activity centres do a many different range of activities such as canoeing and go-karting. These types of activities are very different to the everyday activities we do in our spare time on the weekends. This is an activity that someone will enjoy and memorable for someone. 

I think that many of us have heard great things about these activity centre’s but will not be very inclined to go these activities alone or with friends but will enjoy these activities when these are planned with work place.

For more information on office outings and team building why not visit our website.

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When you’re on a team building activity in Galway the one thing you are guaranteed is to have a good time and have a bit  of rain on the west coast of Ireland. It is one of the four major cities in Ireland and has a large population in the area. This area is visited by thousands of people each year from all over the world. Here are some of the activities I will be discussing. Indoor activities, outdoor activities, City Escape, Transport and accommodation. This is our- Galway for the team building outing.

Indoor Activity’s  

There is a huge verity of indoor activities to do while in Galway some of these activities include a visit to the aquarium and the bowling alley.  The activity which is very popular with team building is go karting as everyone likes to have a laugh and enjoy themselves and relax. This is also a great way to have a enjoyment and a laugh in work. Everything can’t be serious all of the time. 

Outdoor Activities 

Galway has a large range of outdoor activities which is along the many lakes or the west coast of Ireland. There are so many things to do while you’re on the trip. You may even have to book another trip to fit all of the activities in your calendar. Some of the many activities available in Galway are pedal power and cycling along the west coast. These activities strengthen the team as a whole as they rely on each for the cycling and build stronger friendships between each other.   

City Escape 

If you’re looking for some relaxation or retail therapy for a girls weekend. This has all of the things you want Galway is the one of the four largest cities in Ireland. It has lots of shops available for people shop and relax and unwind with friends. This is an area where there is also lots of museum’s and other activities to do while in Galway. These types of activities are if there is a large group of people in one department who have the same interests, this would the ideal package for this as this would match all of their needs and to get to know the team each other at the same time.  

Transport and Accommodation 

The city is well severed with different types of public transport links. There is hourly train departing from the Dublin city and there is buses also linking the other three major cities e.g. Cork, Limerick to Galway. There are great selection of hotels scattered over the city to suit everyones needs. 

I would recommend Galway for a city visit for the team building exercise as it has large range of activities and when I visited it I enjoyed it and would recommend it.

For more team building ideas and suggestions why not visit our website.

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When connecting with other members from the workplace its good for your staff to be valued. These are our top 4 Reasons why team Building is good for Morale.

Day Trip 

This is when the Staff are brought for a day outside of the usual workplace and brought to do activity where they get to know each other. This may cost the company extra money or may result in a day of lost profit. This is where the staff relax and get to know other people they are working with. The staff will be relived and thankful for a break.  After the trip your staff will be ready to try their best on the tasks which need to be completed.

Management and staff on same Level 

When you’re in a workplace environment it is very difficult to get to know people when you are required to complete a set of various tasks throughout the day.  When completing a team building exercise it is important that all staff including management are doing the same tasks. This makes the staff feel that is everyone is on the same playing field. This is important also for the when back in the workplace because the staff feels they can approach their company management.   

Staff Feeling valued 

In many company’s they feel that their staff is one of their most important assets in their company. The right people have to complete these tasks.  Not just the qualification’s a person is qualified in their chosen area. For a person to feel that they are working with the company and not against them it is important that staff members support and look after each other.  After team buildings day like this it gives the staff a chance to switch off and unwind temporarily. This is also positive for mental wellbeing in the workplace. 

Sense of achievement

After completing a long few weeks of work it important for staff to have a reward. This gives them something to work towards and build towards. When the day finally comes you will be delighted that you put in the work for with your staff.

I think it’s very important that you boost morale within the company as if you don’t it will effect productivity and work ethic within your company. What’s more important Money or Morale? 

For more ideas and suggestions on team building why not visit our website at BigPotatoes.

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Many of us take Christmas parties for granted in our jobs. This is not the case for all jobs many of us never have had a Christmas party. There are many reasons why we think it is important to have a Christmas party in the office. Some of these reasons are Reward , Relaxed Event , Team building ,  Recap on finishing year. 

Reward 

After your staff completing a long and hard year of office work. It is important for your staff to feel valued and rewarded for all of their long hours they have worked throughout the year. When in the run up to the Christmas rush it is important for your staff to have something to motivate them. This will help them to complete their increasing workload in the limited time.  

Relaxed Event  

When drawing to the end of year it is important for all of the staff to go to a social event. This will ensure that all of the staff including managers and supervisors are bonding and building good relationships with other people within the company. This will be very important  when completing different projects throughout the year. The Christmas party is a essential part of completing a relaxed event in the end of the year. 

Team Building 

After working in the same office space for the past eleven months it is important for the staff of your company to be able to go to a social event. Where they can communicate and get to know in each other in a relaxed environment. This is where the staff members make connections and friendships that will make their communication and team work skills stronger.   

Recap on finishing year

When your finishing your year and looking forward to the year ahead. It is a time to review on what you did well and what could be improved on looking into the future. This is done in the Christmas party without  being planned in most occasions. This is when staff members talk about how their department performed well and what difficulties they may have faced. Many times staff members know what could been done to fix the problem from accruing in the first place. This information could not be known without this event. 

These are some of the most important reasons for offices to have Christmas party. Many of us take for granted this events in the work calendar but it is not always the case for everyone. What is more important in your company the money or your staff ? 

For more great ideas and suggestions in relation to office party’s visit our website at BigPotatoes.

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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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4 reasons why we love it :

Historically, Dublin was known as the pale and the rest of Ireland was referred to as “beyond the pale”; in a peculiar kind of way the same yardstick could apply today. Well, the Dub’s, as the natives of the city would have us believe that, if they had their way. One thing for sure, it is the centre of the Irish universe and without doubt we would recommend Dublin for your end of season night away, 4 reasons why we love it.

1. The centre of the Irish universe.

Strictly speaking Athlone is in the centre of Ireland and it is on a line west of Dublin, but for size, scale and population The Capital is vast compared with all the other cities in the country. It lies on the east coast about half way between the top and bottom of the country. Ease of access in terms of transport is a Godsend for any team planning an end of season night away.

Dublin is served by a very efficient rail network. It is also connected to all other major cities in the country by motorway. Dublin airport is one of the busiest in Europe, if your team is based outside the Island of Ireland. Likewise the port has ferry connections to the UK and Europe. If your team is planning on a

major “knees up” then don’t designate a driver, stay safe, hire a coach or use public transport.

2. Places to go, Things to see and do.

We are back to the old chestnut here of “how long is a piece of string” but as it is Dublin for your end of season night away, it is best that we stay focused on life after dark. Dublin is like New York in that is a city that never sleeps. Massive range of activities for the team if building up a sweat is on the menu for the team members. Dublin tourism can provide your team with all the options.

Meanwhile Bigpotatoes would suggest some of the following; a visit to the live theatre, if getting a lash of culture is your bag; alternatively the concert hall usually has some great musicals or the 3 Arena for a musical gig. This arena is a great spot for international stars, groups, bands and solo singers. Planning is definitely needed well in advance for a show as the tickets are advertised as early as a year in advance. It’s a great end of season gig for the team. A trip to Vickers Street is another option, again a bit of forward planning. It’s more intimate than the Arena and can have great comedy shows. If the team arrives early in Dublin a trip around the city on the amphibious Viking vehicles and a splash into the Liffey is mighty craic. Maybe the team has a “lip” so a trip to the Guinness Hop store could sort out that problem with some samples of the “black stuff”, or as Arthur Guinness used to say, “A pint of plain is your only man”

3. Choice of accommodation

Dublin is spoilt for choice when it comes to bed nights. More Hotels and bed and breakfasts than you could shake a stick at Bigpotatoes have lots of deals in the capital and will be only too glad to steer your team in the right direction. Look, that’s what we do!

3. Nightlife

Dublin rocks after dark and has everything that your team will look for in terms of music, food and drink and that is why we recommend Dublin for your end of season night away and 4 reasons why we love it

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

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

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

1. The Big Breakfast.

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

2. Thomond Park, home of Munster Rugby.

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

3. The Hunt Museum and the Limerick City gallery.

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

4. Street art.

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

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

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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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Spike Island sits right in the middle of Cork Harbour. Cork harbour is regarded as the second best natural harbour in the world. It has ninety square miles of water. Spike Island is one of five islands in the harbour area. The island itself is made up of 104 acres in total including a 24 acre fortress called Fort Mitchell, also known as Fortress Spike.

The first activity recorded on Spike Island was a sixth century monastery. It remained a monastic settlement for several hundred years until probably the Norse invasion from the Scandinavian Countries. There were centuries of island homes with inhabitants commuting by boat to the main Island, or great Island with the town of Cobh as its capital. Spike had its role changed several times during its history. For a time it was used as a quarantine for cattle and livestock. Most famously it made its name as a prison fortress. Designed and built about 200 years ago in the shape of a star, it went from being a military fortress at one stage to becoming the world’s largest prison.

Now that we have an overview of the Island let us go through the five reasons why it is a great for team building and a team day out;

Reason one, no one can just rock up and drift inside the fortress. It is after all an island and access is by way of a ferry from Kennedy Quay in the harbour town of Cobh. So the first adrenaline hit will come as the team make their way along the quay and embark on the vessel for the ten/twenty minute trip to the Island.

The tour starts as the team disembark from the ferry on to this unique Island. Teams can avail of the island guided tours; use an audio guide or just self exploration.

Immerse your team in the fascinating history that includes Monks and Monasteries, raiders and pirates; captors and convicts and saints and sinners. The 200 year old history of the fort will keep the team riveted for the duration of the day.

Reason two, the tableau of scenes depicting the inmates of the prison in particular the punishment block that was constructed in 1858 after a warden was killed. The real live scenes will make the hair stand up on the back of the combined team’s heads. Conditions were horrendous and punishment very severe. It was the world’s largest prison with as many as 2300 inmates.

Escape from the island was impossible even though several brave souls attempted it. The tidal current between Spike and Cobh roars through the estuary and makes swimming practically impossible.

Reason three on the adrenaline list is a state of the art Computer simulation room. It is here that a computer rendering of cork harbour allows team members to take control and pilot a ship or even protect Cork Harbour from attack. This aspect of the Island visit will certainly appeal to all the computer geeks.

Reason number four for your team building visit to Spike is the range of activities that are available when the team has soaked up all the interesting history.

There are adventure activities. Also there are obstacle courses for the energetic team members. The team can spend time on an archaeology dig. Plenty to excite the curious team members; For team leaders there is nothing better than donning military dress and barking out orders as your team drills.

What about Jail break orienteering for the adventure lovers of the team?

Reason number five is the refreshments side of the events. Restaurants and shops to relax in before heading back to Cobh.

Cork is a great location for team building! Check out what else this county has to offer here.

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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.

The post Why a day away from the office is always a good idea appeared first on BigPotatoes.