Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Here are a few pointers from Shane Sullards, partner, lapdog, inc., a Chestnut Mountain-based team building company that facilitates team building events at Chateau Elan, among other locations.

GBJ: How do you know what to read, which program to investigate or even if team building is right for you?

Shane: Let me get right to the meat. Team building is for any and every organization, from the 501-C3 non-profit with two full-time employees operating out of the garage to the Fortune 20 company with 68,000 employees operating globally.

I have often heard it said, "If I could just get everybody on the same train, on the same track, heading in the same direction, our company would make real substantial impact in the marketplace."

Team building initiatives function as a catapult to getting your staff on the right train.

One crucial guideline to remember is team building is not a one-time experience; it is a culture. Cultures can take years to develop, but when they function at their potential, they are extraordinary examples of what a team can accomplish. None of us are better than all of us!

GBJ: How do you go about finding the right resource(s)?

Shane: Contact a professional to have your specific organization's needs assessed. A reputable company who claims to deliver 'team building' will spend anywhere from twenty to sixty minutes on the phone or in person with you discussing your needs.

After this conversation, a proposal highlighting the goals, the roles of each company, the investment, the process, etc. should be delivered to you. All this should be done at no cost to you.

To find a professional, contact the ACVB (Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau), search on the Internet, and ask your peers who they have used.

GBJ: How do you budget for it?

Shane: Keep in mind, $25,000 can be more expensive than $150,000. It is not about price, it is about value. For example, some prospects know that a $150,000 investment in a comprehensive, multi-phased, developmental process that yields a more effective work force is a better value than $25,000 for a shot in the arm. Remember, team building is not a one-time experience; it is a culture, and cultures take time and effort to develop.

You can expect to pay at least around $75 per person. However, depending on what type of training you are looking for, you may pay up to $2,200 per person. Having your needs evaluated is the best method to take to answer the question, "How much is this going to cost?"

GBJ: What should a client expect as a result of the training?

Shane: One should expect to increase revenue, to increase productivity, to lower costs, to reduce process loss and to attract and retain quality talent. These objectives sound quite ambitious, but they are attainable when a company invests time and resources into team-oriented training.

GBJ: What makes lapdog unique?

Shane: lapdog and Chateau Elan are proud to offer its guests opportunities to experience a professionally designed and installed Corporate Development and Team Building facility. This facility offers exciting cutting edge programs requiring strategy, teamwork, communication, planning, trust, leadership, and fun.