Teams don’t just happen. They are built. And when the stakes are high, nailing teamwork in event planning is crucial.
Have you ever been part of a committee where everybody has an opinion and is determined to have things their way? Swords drawn, blood dripping off the walls? Or are you having sleepless nights haunted by the memories of a few people carrying the load? The rest have joined mainly because it gives them a break from the everyday rigmarole.
But going in party hats on is not exactly the best way to organise a successful event. You may well know how to organise a good hens-party (or stag do for that matter), but for business events, it takes a highly organised team to pull off a smooth and well-coordinated event.
The Importance of Teamwork in Events
‘Teamwork makes the dream work’
Rings a bell?!
And before you roll your eyes at the cheesy phrase. Remember that often, there is a lot of truth in clichés. To accomplish a successful event, it all starts with the organising committee and how well they work together.
Which is exactly why the Auaha squad puts in a good amount of time and effort to get the teamwork in event planning exactly where it needs to be. Our first job as a PCO is to get all the committee heading in one direction.
Surprised? You shouldn’t be.
Setting up the New Team for Success
Organising an event takes a lot of coordination and organisation. The only way to do that successfully is to get the foundations of the Event committee right. Our previous blog discussing 4 tips to rock event planning when you’re about to join a committee is an excellent place to start.
But also, because of their impartiality and their experience in organising events, PCO’s are extremely well placed to make sure the importance of teamwork in event planning is well-guarded.
There are several things we do consistently to work towards a well-functioning committee from the very beginning. We don’t take over the decision-making. That’s your job. The primary purpose for the kick-off meeting is simple: putting the Team into Teamwork from the get-go.
What we mean by that is fairly common sense.
- Building a positive and inclusive team culture
- Establishing communication channels and frequency
- Organising a massive brainstorm, collecting ALL the ideas
- Establishing a common vision with clear objectives
But it’s all fine and dandy to say these foundations are important. The real questions is: how do you do it?
Tuckman and the 4 Stages of Teamwork in Event Planning
Probably one of the most popular theories around teamwork comes from Tuckman, who claims teams aren’t static. As a matter of fact, he suggests teams grow through clearly defined stages, each presenting their own set of challenges and opportunities.
The theory’s forte lies in its simplicity. Although the catchy phrases probably didn’t harm either. But praise where praise is due, the Tuckman theory is very useful when applied to teamwork in event planning.
We know, because we put Mr Tuckerman’s ideas in practice all the time.
As PCO’s we go through the process of establishing successful teamwork in event planning every time we start a new project. Sometimes it doesn’t need any work at all to get teams to work together swimmingly. Sometimes… it’s a challenge.
No surprises: Tuckman’s model has become significant to our role and how we approach Event Planning.
Of course, like all models and theories, it’s not the holy grail of organising successful teamwork in event planning. It’s not specific to the events industry either.
But it’s potent because it recognises that teams don’t start fully formed and functioning. That in itself gives us PCO’s both a framework and a window to help the team functioning at its full potential.
Forming-Storming-Norming-Performing
So what are the 4 stages of Mr Tuckerman’s teamwork model?
Forming:
This is the first stage of team building where the individuals come together before they have established their place in the team. They’re not a team yet but mere individuals, put together in one room with a common goal.
Storming:
The team starts to form and the early signs of teamwork as showing. After they scrutinised each other, this is the stage they may challenge each other. As the “Storming’ suggests, conflict and confrontation may rear its ugly head and distract from the task ahead.
Norming:
This is the stage where dust settles after the storm. The team is growing a sense of togetherness. Processes are being developed, rules are laid down, roles are identified.
Performing:
Victory! The battles are fought, and rules are laid out. All that remains is a strong focus on team relationships and the task ahead. The group of individuals has evolved into a cohesive, task-focused team on its way to a prizewinning event.
The Short and the Narrow of Teamwork in Event Planning
The bottom-line of it all? Teams don’t just happen. They are built. And when the stakes are high getting team dynamics right is crucial.
So call us and we’ll get your dream event under way… with a team that soars and scores.
