How to Choose a Team Building Activity That Doesn't Waste Everyone's Time

Team building can be a powerful investment in your people, but only when the right activity is matched to the right objectives, group, and environment.

One of the most common mistakes organisations make is choosing an activity based solely on what looks fun, without considering the outcomes they are trying to achieve. Whilst enjoyment is important, a successful team building event should also align with your team's goals, constraints, and development needs.

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a team building activity that delivers genuine value rather than simply filling time.

Team Size Matters

In the workplace, small is often beautiful when it comes to team size, and the same applies to well-designed team building challenges.

Teams of around six participants tend to provide the best balance of involvement, communication, and engagement. Whilst larger teams can certainly work, we generally recommend keeping challenge teams to a maximum of eight to ten people where possible.

Smaller teams create more opportunities for every participant to contribute, communicate, and take ownership of outcomes.

Indoor or Outdoor?

Getting people outdoors can be fantastic for energy, movement, and engagement. However, Australia's increasingly unpredictable weather means organisations should always consider contingency plans.

Many activities can be delivered indoors or outdoors, providing valuable flexibility. Programs such as Rollerball or The Agency can be deployed in either environment, making them ideal choices when a wet-weather backup may be required.

Having a well-planned indoor alternative can remove significant stress from event organisers and ensure objectives are still achieved regardless of the forecast.

Strategic Outcomes or Social Outcomes?

Ideally, a team building program can achieve both.

The best events combine enjoyment, interaction, and meaningful learning. However, a common pitfall is relying solely on fun-based activities while expecting significant strategic or behavioural outcomes.

If your objective is simply to reward, celebrate, or connect people socially, many activity options will be suitable. If your goal is to improve communication, collaboration, self-awareness, or team effectiveness, a more structured approach is required.

This is where tools such as Belbin Individual and Team Reports can add significant value by providing lasting insights that extend well beyond the event itself.

Charity-Based or Internally Focused?

Many organisations enjoy the opportunity to give back to the community whilst developing their teams.

Charity-based programs such as Team Toy Story and Street Survivors allow participants to work together towards a meaningful cause while supporting those in need. These events often create strong emotional engagement and leave a positive legacy long after the activity has finished.

However, if the primary objective is to address internal team dynamics, leadership challenges, or strategic priorities, other formats may allow for a greater focus on those specific outcomes.

The key is matching the activity to the desired result.

Leadership Development Goals

Team building events can also be highly effective leadership development opportunities when designed and facilitated appropriately.

Leadership and management themes can be explored through carefully structured activities, supported by targeted debriefs and facilitated discussion.

Adding Belbin Individual Reports can help leaders better understand how their behavioural strengths and allowable weaknesses influence team performance, communication, and decision-making.

At Sabre, we often refer to these tailored leadership-focused experiences as our "Leadership DNA" programs.

Be Realistic About Time

Time constraints are one of the biggest factors affecting outcomes.

Whilst there are activities that can be delivered in 30-60 minutes, the most meaningful challenge-based experiences are generally at least two hours in duration.

If the goal is to generate deeper insights, improve team dynamics, or facilitate substantive discussion, organisations should typically allow a half-day or full-day program.

The more ambitious the outcomes, the more time should be allocated to achieving them.

Consider the Venue Carefully

The venue and the activity should complement each other.

There is little point selecting an activity designed for expansive resort lawns if the event will be held in a CBD boardroom. Equally, some indoor venues may not provide sufficient space for larger challenge-based activities.

When selecting a venue, ensure that any required spaces such as lawns, pools, meeting rooms, breakout areas, or covered wet-weather locations are booked and approved in advance.

A little planning can prevent significant issues on the day.

Always Have a Weather Contingency

Weather can quickly become the difference between a successful event and a stressful one.

Even when the forecast looks favourable, having an alternative plan is always wise. Many activities can be adapted for indoor delivery if suitable space has been reserved.

For purely outdoor formats, such as an Amazing Team Race, we strongly recommend identifying and preparing an indoor backup option before the event begins.

The best contingency plans are the ones you never need to use.

Final Thoughts

The best team building activities are not necessarily the most expensive, the most adventurous, or even the most entertaining. They are the activities that align with your objectives, suit your people, fit your environment, and deliver meaningful outcomes.

By carefully considering factors such as team size, venue, weather, desired outcomes, leadership development goals, and available time, organisations can avoid wasting valuable resources and instead create experiences that genuinely strengthen teams.

After all, the goal isn't simply to keep people busy for a few hours. It's to create experiences that improve how people work together long after the event is over.