---
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

1. **Event overview** — date/time framework, venue type, theme
2. **Agenda with time blocks** — each block has a primary activity and one alternative
3. **Activity descriptions** — what it is, why it works for the stated objective, group size requirements
4. **Budget breakdown** — venue, supplies, food/drink, contingency (10%)
5. **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.
