Team Building - Team Building Page of Jerry Eppler & Associates, Carmel California.

Team members are continually arriving late for meetings. When you finally get started key people fail to contribute relevant information to the discussion.

People are interrupting each other and proposing solutions to undefined problems. Some members are targets of cheap shots that further derail the discussion. People are making strong statements and taking firm positions before they have heard all points of view.

The real issues don’t get discussed for fear of retribution, losing face, and reluctance to disagree with the boss.

Members don’t trust one another and resort to one-up-manship, while feeling inadequate and defensive. No one wants to deal with the important issues directly but will talk about them outside meetings in destructive ways.

In general, the team is not living up to its potential and not producing results in a timely manner.

Despite the fact that many teams have these problems, you can get the results you want by using our unique field tested process that guides all team members to take an in-depth, honest view of what the team is trying to accomplish and how well the group is working together. We help you and your team become inspired, committed to your purpose, and more creative so you can meet and surpass your goals.

For more than 25 years we’ve been successfully using our time-proven process that collectively finds positive solutions to problems, and constructs a model for accountability and measurable results in a safe environment away from the distractions and confines of daily work.

Results you will obtain from our Team Building Program

Below is a list of deliverables that can make a difference in your team’s performance. It isn’t just about positive thinking and feeling good. It involves specific and measurable performance criteria.

A clearly defined purpose that is owned and shared by all team members.
A set of performance goals that are aligned with the purpose.
Clearly defined roles, responsibilities and decision-making authority.
An understanding of the collective team’s current strengths and limitations, and where to focus the critical next steps.
A commitment document which includes action plans for each issue identified by the team, and individual commitments made by each team member to improve performance and effectiveness.
A “Team Code of Conduct” which will enable team members to communicate more clearly and concisely.
Skills that will enhance team effectiveness.
Tools that will enable team members to confront and resolve conflict and effectively deal with disruptive members.
A learning community that utilizes collaboration and reduces destructive competition.
A reward system for identifying and acknowledging individual and team performance.

Build and maintain trust, mutual respect, loyalty and commitment among team members.
Network across departments and divisions, and even with unsatisfied customers.
Develop a brain/heart trust that enables the team to learn from its mistakes, take advantage of opportunities and be more innovative.
Bring out the leadership potential in yourself and others.
Delegate responsibility, authority and accountability.

Any team that wants to increase productivity, lift its morale, and improve its effectiveness. A company that is experiencing customer dissatisfaction.

New teams that want a fast start.
Veteran teams that need to renew and re-energize for coming challenges.
Veteran teams with new leadership or new members being added.

It is a dynamic entity comprised of individuals, each bringing their unique needs, desires and skills to the group.
It is single-minded regarding its purpose, with a clear and shared vision that each member is highly committed to.
It pushes the edge of innovation and creativity.
It holds itself mutually accountable by means of all team members keeping one another on track.

By getting team members to know and trust each other, back each other up, and not be afraid to ask each other for help.
By defining team members’ roles and responsibilities and decision-making authority.
By viewing conflict and mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow.
By using our unique field-tested process that guides all team members to take an in-depth, honest view of what the team is trying to accomplish and how well the group is working together.
By experiencing our proven process that collectively finds positive solutions to problems, and constructs a model for accountability and measurable results in a safe environment away from the distractions and confines of daily work.

For more than 25 years we have been helping executives of small and large companies build and maintain high performing teams. More and more companies recognize the value of teams for conducting business in a fast-paced, fast-changing world. A critical key to success is starting with a well-planned and well-executed team building program. We’ve learned first hand that the single most important and universal attribute of the highest performing teams is an ethic of constant improvement.

If you want a dramatic change in your Team – from unproductive and conflicted to dynamic and getting results, please Contact Us.

"You helped me bring about lasting significant positive changes in my organization. All that sounds good, but what does it have to do with business results? Three years ago I selected a group of bright and aggressive directors to do a tough job but we were not 'together.' I was having difficulties establishing my leadership, the group was functioning disjointedly, and the morale was low: then you came in to help me. Now the difference is considerable. I now have the loyalty and respect of my subordinates, individuals now care a great deal about each other, and they work cohesively. More important, our clients are very satisfied, my team has a reputation for excellence, and our results have added tremendous value to the corporation. You are largely to thank for that."— Ada M. Kirby, Former Executive Director, US West

"The session broke down a lot of barriers and fostered more open and trusting communication. Each successive task reinforced the team interaction and communication even more, which was invaluable. Jerry knew when to let go and when to step in to pull us back. We never had to "explain the business" to him to get the job done. This was a bonding exercise and major problem-solving endeavor that forged an effective team. Excellent meeting!"— Tina M. Gallagher, Former Vice President, Product Development, International Thompson Publishing

"A revealing experience that gave me insight into myself and my colleagues. This team building session was thought provoking, challenging, and a true learning experience! As a result my team and I will be more effective communicators. This was not a "feel good" session. We made real improvements in teamwork and are following through on actions. Jerry was an excellent facilitator, drawing people out in a nonthreatening way and focused us using an orderly process. He facilitated understanding and commitment."— Rick Germani, Former Vice President, LAM Research Corporation