Team building activities in the 80’s was all about high ropes, abseiling and wilderness adventure. Designed to help us overcome fear and realise that we were capable of more. For half of the team it was a real adrenalin rush, while for the rest of us it was a perfect opportunity to wear brown undies.

Those businesses not prepared to go un showered for a week, would try to replicate the intensity and build trust by falling into each others arms. Pumping fists into the air, they would call out "its okay, we’ll catch you!", but deep down having the urge to pull their hands away at the last moment! Afterwards everyone would sit in a circle and ‘share their feelings’.

By the early 90’s businesses recovered from the recession we had to have and expensive team building exercises became the norm. If you didn’t have fireworks, live bands, cruise ships and copious amounts of alcohol you just weren’t serious about "building your team".

Once back in the office business trainers would run team building activities and link them back to theory on personality types, team roles and behaviour preferences. Teams would hold hands and untangle themselves or fill out a questionnaire answering "would they prefer to live as a loner in the woods or a homeless person in the city". After completing the questionaries staff were given a nice little ‘snap shot’ of who they were. Many staff were having their suspicions confirmed. Yes, their boss really is a DICNOGGIN personality type!

By the "naughties" team building activities were about fun and interaction. African drumming led the way. Each armed with a bongo drum; teams would belt out a rhythm and release their ‘inner spirit".

Reality TV was starting to etch itself into the minds of the masses. Staff would stand around the ‘water fountain’ and brag how well they could win ‘Survivor’. Amazing Race, Master Chef, The Mole and Australian Idol have all shaped and influenced the kind of team activities we participated in. We all wanted to be famous and team building activities based on Reality TV programs gave us that chance.

Today it is still about fun and interaction, but has a focus on ‘childhood dreams’. Want to be a racing car driver? Do a hot lap. Want to be a famous soccer player? Train with a famous soccer team. Want be a rock star? Record a CD.

Where to from here? Who knows really?

The GFC has encouraged businesses to design and organise many team building activities themselves. Not only are businesses saving thousands of dollars but they are also providing staff with the opportunity to be innovative and creative.

The fires in Victoria, Australia highlighted that staff want to feel significant and contribute to a worthwhile cause. Businesses that provide opportunities for staff to give are not only helping the community but also ‘building the heart’ of their business.

What ever your team building activities have been, there is one thing for sure, it definitely was memorable.