Management team 'bonding' and 'think-in' day- Public Service

[dublin2020]

Work in public sector type organisation and looking for ideas for a management team 'bonding' and 'think in' day. About to commence a PMDS process and want to take myself (as area manager) and 6 other section heads off site. Regrettably, within our type of organisation, this type of option is never considered.

I, myself, am mid way through a management development course (for which I am paying fee and taking days from leave).

Ideas/ suggestions appreciated- notwithstanding we do not have a budget! So anything we would do would have to be cost minimal... but i do think it is possible.

Also, ideas for a 'facilitator' for the day...

PM me also if you need more specific details.

Any guidance appreciated...

 

[Complainer]

Seems like a bit of a waste of time or money to money to me. You'd need to clarify what exactly you're aiming to achieve, before anyone could suggest alternative.

 

[bisset]

The HSE Training Unit in Naas have model for setting team goals that I think is what you are getting at. I would imagine that they would respond favourably to a request for information on the model from another public sector organisation. Its not top secret and neither is it rocket science but it gives a structure to help teams work together e.g. SWOT analysis.

 

[Leper]

Team Bonding, team building, Facilitator, etc what a waste of time when Common Sense overides everything (something that is mostly forgotten). If you want to see management at its best, go to a Daniel O'Donnell concert. He gives his customers what they want, every time and says thanks.

 

[ontour]

Team Bonding, team building, Facilitator, etc what a waste of time when Common Sense overides everything (something that is mostly forgotten).

Common sense and a process that improves communication, understanding and trust are not mutually exclusive. If it is done well it improves productivity.

If you want to see management at its best, go to a Daniel O'Donnell concert. He gives his customers what they want, every time and says thanks.

That is customer service not management.

OP, Have you considered a CSR type activity such as painting a room in an old folks home.

 

[dublin2020]

Team building

Yes I agree it is a risk to do something different within a 'public sector' type organisation- especially when other sections/ departments may not be doing anything.

The team does not have any proper meetings and a lot of 'back stabbing' when we do- disgruntled and demotivated staff.

So any ideas/ suggestions are welcome- and don't worry- we will not be spending any money (if we can) - as we can use a lot of existing buildings/ units etc 'off site' and ask people to bring own food to share, etc- team building before we even leave!

 

[Purple]

Common sense and a process that improves communication, understanding and trust are not mutually exclusive. If it is done well it improves productivity.

I agree with that. When people who work together interact outside of that work environment in a structured environment it can do wonders for moral and productivity. We have a social club and golf society in work and both have proven their value.