How to select a quality team building provider

These questions were recently featured in Convention and Incentive Marketing magazine. Sabre writes regular articles for CIM and compiled this one after clients and industry people questioned - what are the characteristics of a good team-building provider? These questions are based upon research from corporate clients and the qualities that they demand from a professional provider.

First and foremost, it is important to remember that quality operators with genuine industry experience do exist. Unfortunately many band wagon riders (usually well meaning out-doorsy types or simply unskilled operators) have muddied the waters leaving a trail of disappointed clients in their wake.

A good operator will welcome these questions and should be able to answer them with confidence (it will even give some modest ones a chance to show off). The answers to these should assist in making your decision.

1. How many years have you been in operation as a dedicated corporate facilitator?

It is important to know that your provider has genuine experience in tailoring and delivering programmes for corporate clients. Trading off simple sports activities or games and then attempting complex corporate events can be a dangerous (although common) error for inexperienced providers. Make sure that their experience includes substantial contact and a proven track record with a range of corporate clients.

2. Do you tailor programmes to meet the clients needs?

An experienced operator should have a substantial repertoire of methodologies, programme options and concepts. The tailoring of an event should involve building the programme from scratch to suit the clients specific aims and objectives (not just pushing the standard off the shelf package). Ask questions about how the provider has actually tailored programme elements to dovetail with specific client aims such as change initiatives, process re-design, product developments etc.

3. Do you have professional facilitators?

Beware of those who simply round up a few mates, put them in bright shirts, and then expect them to deliver programmes to a corporate client. Unfortunately, great events don't come that easily. The word facilitator (is there such a word?) does get thrown around quite a lot. Enthusiastic hotel recreation staff, outdoor enthusiasts or a few mates do not necessarily make excellent corporate level facilitators. Ask how many facilitators actually work with the organisation full time / part time, what experience they have and if possible actually speak with some of them to gauge their ability. Make sure they know what they are doing. After all you don't want just anyone running around with your team. The skills, experience and training of the genuine article don't happen overnight or come that easily.

4. What internal systems and infrastructure do you have?

In theory, anyone claiming to offer corporate development services to the business world should be able to run a professional business operation him or herself. You should be satisfied that sufficient systems and support staff are in place to ensure that what has been promised to you will actually be delivered on time, in the right place and in the right way. Good QA doesn't go astray when providing any form of event.

5. Do you have comprehensive public liability insurance?

Professional operators wouldn't dream of taking a corporate group for a stroll to the corner store without this under their belt. In fact, a good operator should never need to call upon it, but it is a useful gauge of an operator's credibility whilst protecting both the client and themselves. If a major insurance company is satisfied with their level of expertise then at least you can make some judgments for yourself with this as a sound basis. Be especially aware of only partial or insufficient coverage in this area.

6. What theoretical knowledge do you have?

Just being able to coil a rope or burst with charisma doesn't necessarily equip someone with the skills to lock horns with a company's senior management or HRD team. An organisation providing corporate development should have within their own team some repository of management wisdom or at least the psychological basics. Even for a fun conference programme, it is nice to know that your provider has some idea about how the client and their people operate. Make sure that they are not all talk and no substance.

7. What is your C&I track record?

Conference and Incentive based events are often a world apart from standard outdoor-experiential training programmes. A good grounding in both structured team and management development programmes and C&I events, is useful. Ensure that your provider knows what is expected within a C&I environment.

8. Can we see some client testimonials?

Request actual testimonials of clients who have engaged this provider to deliver an event or a programme. If you are uncertain, ask to speak to a range of past clients with needs similar to yours. This should not pose a problem to an experienced operator.

9. Do you have a permanent stock of good equipment?

Whether the delegates are on a resort lawn for half an hour or in the wilderness for ten days, good gear is essential. Safety is an obvious issue that cannot be undervalued, but there are also some others. A good stock of clean, well-maintained and appropriate props and equipment helps to ensure smooth and professional delivery. It also demonstrates a level of commitment from the operator as a serious provider of team event services.

10. How are your concepts / activities developed?

A good operator will have developed their own range of concepts and activities that can be drawn upon to target a client's specific aims or to simulate a required situation or theme. Many borrow from a fairly standard range of concepts, which creates a risk of the client repeating tired old games and activities. Creativity and innovation is fairly important in a C&I environment so ensure that your provider has some original concepts and not just faded copies of someone else's.

If you cannot obtain satisfactory answers to these questions it may be wise to re-appraise your choice provider. After all, there could be more than just your reputation at stake if all does not go well.

Experience, credibility and know-how are essential for anyone wishing to provide any form of team based training or event to a corporate client.

A good operator will be happy to answer these questions so don't be afraid to ask them.

 

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