I strongly identify with this tweet. I am highly allergic to group hugging, tiresome introductions and "let's make happy customers together" slogans.
Team building in remote teams is not easy
However, maintaining team spirit in a remote team is not easy. Few teams remain self-sustaining, and it is aptly said that the half-life of trust is six weeks. Something should be done, but what? The most typical ways of building trust - joint meetings and lunches - are out of the question, and good tools are in short supply.
Teaming up is particularly difficult for new employees who only meet their colleagues via Slack or Teams. In these cases, the image of their teammates is incomplete to say the least, and often even inaccurate.
SmoothTeam also works for sceptics
We have been developing SmoothTeam for five years and have thousands of simulations behind us. From them, we know that the service works great for sceptics too. That's because we get straight to the point and talk about things that really matter and are of interest to the team.
Learning through play is not play. It is a discussion about who we are as a team, how we perceive each other's strengths and how we work together.
Even the grumpy and the cynical are happy
After a simulation, we often hear that (graduate) engineers in particular had reservations about SmoothTeam beforehand, but were surprised to find it positive. So we give the simulations a sceptic's guarantee: SmoothTeam is not a troublesome experience for even the most stubborn. We offer a meaningful, useful and inclusive experience for all.
Some of our team members are very sceptical about team events - "how can we spend hours playing?!" Fortunately, the simulation managed to get everyone on board. It was not only fun, but also practical training and development for us as a team. Everyone commented afterwards that the simulation was useful and enjoyable. For me, as a team leader, it is essential to get everyone involved in what we do as a team.
- Svea Paju, Tikkurila
The simulation is not trying to be funny
A simulation is typically a fun experience, but fun is spontaneous and therefore a shared experience - like a nice evening with friends. There is no forced humour in the simulation itself, but it gives participants the freedom to engage in discussion. This often leads to a relaxed and good atmosphere and also to funny moments. There have sometimes been tears in the simulations, when really personal things have been said. Everyone can decide for themselves, without pressure, how much to open up.
If you're still sceptical, get in touch to see how the service works! Or read customer testimonials.
Pasi Kovanen
The author is responsible for the engineering of the SmoothTeam simulation platform and is HR's worst nightmare: a computer engineer, science geek and member of Skepsis.
