| name | team-building-plan |
| description | Plans team building activities and events with objectives, activity options, budget considerations, logistics, and follow-up evaluation. Use when organizing team bonding, offsites, or morale-boosting events. |
| allowed-tools | Read Write Glob |
| metadata | {"author":"matthewhitcham","version":"1.0"} |
Team Building Plan
When to Use This Skill
Use this skill when you need to:
- Plan a team building event, offsite, or bonding activity
- Design recurring team culture activities on a budget
- Organize a morale-boosting event after a tough quarter or major project
- Structure a new-team kickoff with icebreakers and collaboration exercises
DO NOT use this skill for individual performance coaching, HR conflict resolution, or formal training programs. This is for team bonding and culture-building events only.
Core Principle
EVERY TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY MUST HAVE A CLEAR OBJECTIVE TIED TO A REAL TEAM NEED — NOT JUST "FUN FOR FUN'S SAKE."
Phase 1: Brief
Gather the inputs that shape the event plan. No brief, no plan.
Required Inputs
Ask the user for each. Use the default if not provided.
| Input | What to Ask | Default |
|---|
| Team size | "How many people will participate?" | 5-10 people |
| Objective | "What team challenge are you solving? (trust, communication, onboarding, morale)" | General morale boost |
| Budget | "What's your total budget for this event?" | $500 |
| Format | "In-person, virtual, or hybrid?" | In-person |
| Duration | "Half day, full day, or recurring series?" | Half day (3-4 hours) |
| Constraints | "Any physical limitations, dietary needs, or scheduling restrictions?" | None |
Present the brief summary and wait for confirmation before proceeding.
GATE: Do not proceed until the user confirms the brief.
Phase 2: Plan
Design the event structure with 2-3 activity options per time block.
Plan Structure
- Event overview — date/time framework, venue type, theme
- Agenda with time blocks — each block has a primary activity and one alternative
- Activity descriptions — what it is, why it works for the stated objective, group size requirements
- Budget breakdown — venue, supplies, food/drink, contingency (10%)
- Logistics checklist — what to book, buy, prepare, and communicate in advance
Activity Selection Rules
- Match activities to the stated objective (trust-building needs vulnerability; communication needs collaboration tasks)
- Include at least one low-energy option for introverts
- Never suggest activities that require specific physical ability unless confirmed with user
- Budget-friendly alternatives for every premium suggestion
GATE: Present the plan and wait for approval before creating final deliverables.
Phase 3: Execute
Build the complete event package.
Deliverables
1. Run-of-Show Document
- Minute-by-minute agenda with responsible person for each segment
- Setup and teardown time included
- Transition notes between activities
2. Communication Templates
- Invitation message with date, time, location, what to bring
- Reminder message (send 2 days before)
- Post-event thank you message
3. Supply and Vendor List
- Every item needed with estimated cost and where to source it
- Vendor contact info placeholders for bookings
4. Facilitator Notes
- Talking points for each activity
- How to handle low energy or disengagement
- Backup activities if something falls flat
Phase 4: Polish
Follow-Up Evaluation
Create a short post-event feedback form (5 questions max):
- Rate overall enjoyment (1-5)
- What was your favorite activity and why?
- What would you change?
- Do you feel closer to your teammates? (1-5)
- Suggestions for next time?
ROI Summary Template
Provide a one-page template connecting the event back to the original objective with observable behavior changes to watch for over the next 30 days.
Example 1: Remote Team Quarterly Bonding (Virtual, $200 budget, 8 people)
Agenda:
- 0:00-0:15 — Icebreaker: Two Truths and a Lie (builds personal connection)
- 0:15-0:45 — Virtual Escape Room via free platform (collaboration under pressure)
- 0:45-1:00 — Break + snack delivery (send $15 DoorDash gift cards)
- 1:00-1:30 — Show and Tell: everyone shares something from their workspace
- 1:30-1:45 — Shoutouts round + wrap-up
Example 2: In-Person New Team Kickoff (Full day, $1,500 budget, 12 people)
Agenda:
- 9:00-9:30 — Breakfast + name-game icebreaker
- 9:30-11:00 — Team charter workshop (define norms, communication preferences)
- 11:00-12:00 — Collaborative problem-solving challenge
- 12:00-1:00 — Catered lunch
- 1:00-2:30 — Strengths mapping exercise (each person shares their superpower)
- 2:30-3:00 — Wrap-up and 30-day action commitments
Anti-Patterns
- Activity without objective — laser tag is fun but does not solve a communication problem. Always tie activities to the stated need.
- Forcing extrovert energy — karaoke and improv alienate half the team. Include low-key options.
- Skipping the budget — planning a $5,000 offsite when the budget is $500 wastes everyone's time.
- No follow-up — an event without follow-up is a party, not team building. Always include evaluation.
- Mandatory fun tone — frame events as opportunities, not obligations.
Recovery
- No budget: Suggest zero-cost activities (potluck, park meetup, virtual game night using free tools).
- Team spread across time zones: Recommend asynchronous activities (shared playlist, photo challenge, async Q&A) plus one overlapping-hours live session.
- User unsure of objective: Ask "What's the biggest friction on your team right now?" and map that to an objective.
- Past events flopped: Ask what went wrong. Usually it is forced participation or mismatched energy levels. Adjust accordingly.
