Ask Michelle & Chris About Team Building: Recent Episodes
Michelle Cummings Chris Cavert
Michelle and Chris are here to answer your team building questions so we can learn and grow together!The more you know, the more you can do! Michelle Cummings (Training-Wheels.com) and Dr. Chris Cavert (OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com) team up on this weekly podcast to field questions from team builders all over the world. Michelle and Chris have over 50 years of combined team building and training experience and over 20 publications to their credit. They both have traveled the world to help team builders get better at what they do best - lead powerful team building programs. Do you have a team building related question? Submit it to the show at OnTeamBuilding.com/askpodcast
It's that time of year – a new start! What will it be like? Michelle and Chris share some engaging activities to begin building the communities of learning we are all after. Take the time! Build connections.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
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After a number of inquisitive questions over the past few weeks, Michelle and Chris dive into some of the answers about starting your own business in the wild world of team building – the fields of Adventure and Experiential Education.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle gives us a vivid recap of Training Wheels at 25! Of course, no historical picture is complete without some reflection over a number of the lessons learned along the way. (Chris is there for the memorable ride, asking questions to spark some details.)
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share two more modern versions of classic teambuilding activities. Put more action and group cooperation into Moonball and make knots, in the now 50-year-old classic, Human Knots (originally called simply, Knots).
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris call it the "Soft Start." Mark Collard, author of Serious FUN calls it an "Unofficial Start." Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering calls it a "Threshold Moment." These are all terms for the valuable time we have between when our participants arrive to (or start trickling into) our program space up to when we officially begin the program (e.g., 8 a.m. sharp). Michelle and Chris discuss some interactive ways to connect with and encourage participants to interact with each other before you're "on the clock," and why it brings value to your participants experience.
Michelle and Chris discuss some of the considerations for solo large group facilitation – how/what to prepare, some all-group and simultaneous small-group activities, and getting the large group's attention.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some fun with index cards. They are one of the most versatile props you can have on hand. Along with a handful of markers, you'll have hours of engagement at the ready.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Prompted by a question from a listener, Michelle and Chris share some tips that can help build a staff culture around post-program reflection. We know the data is valuable for program improvement and personal development. How can we make it stick?
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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In this final chapter on changing and crafting games (a.k.a., activities), Michelle and Chris discuss some thinking behind creating an activity that will open up discussions on a particular outcome. We know what we want to talk about, now what can we make to get us there?
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share a few examples of how they changed the language within activities to meet and discuss the important topics of bullying, gossip, and goal setting.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Changing games and activities to meet the needs of our client groups is an important skill to acquire. In some cases, it's about the physical surroundings and the physical materials within our control. In other cases, it's about the language we use and the level of challenge we can present. Join Michelle and Chris for a thought-provoking discussion about changing things up.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding-related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some of the newest connection and teambuilding activities they're excited about. Find out about the new card decks Michelle has added to her Training Wheels catalog and a couple of activities from Chris – one with Cups (and Math), the other with a few activity ropes.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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After an extended break, Michelle and Chris return with their top learnings from 2023 and their excitement about opening up Season 5 – and the road to Episode 100.
"The work is infinite, you are not!" More downtime ('White Space') in store for 2024.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or teambuilding related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris discuss some of their recent experiences (and revelations) working with new team building facilitators in the field. One of the considerations relates to training 'before' the job and training 'on' the job.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris talk about some fun things you can do to promote connections within your work team over longer periods of time. Team building is more than a one-time program every quarter (and these are good too!).
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some of the ways they use quotes to encourage deeper discussions, metaphorical connections to activities and teach concepts like vulnerability, leadership and overcoming obstacles.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Stephanie Sibille, among other amazing things, is a contract trainer for Training Wheels (Michelle). She was in Colorado delivering a training and stopped by the Training Wheels Warehouse (and podcasting studio). She agreed to a spontaneous interview focusing on some of her experiences with contract facilitation. (Thanks Steph for accepting the invitation!)
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris rapid-fire a whole bunch of activities you can do with a bucket full of tennis balls (about 26). So much to do with so little!
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some ideas about how to shift wording, activity selection, sequencing and processing to be relevant to corporate environments.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share their approaches to programming and facilitating different types of groups. Outcomes are often very similar across the different groups. It usually comes down to the language used to focus in on the specific take-aways.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Welcome to Season 4! Chris and Michelle are excited to begin a fresh season with new ideas and tips for experiential facilitation.
First up, our favorite beginning-of-the-year activity, Word of the Year.
Here's a link to a past blog post from Michelle on this activity, which includes Four Tips on Choosing Your Word of the Year.
Here are two images to help you choose your Word of the Year:
List One
List Two
Thanks for joining us!
Michelle and Chris look back over the last year with excitement and motivation.
Find out:
- Why they will continue podcasting this next year.
- How they did on their "Word(s) of the Year" (Episode #52).
- Why reconnection is important.
- Their Gratefuls and Gratitudes from 2022.
Thank you for joining us this year - we hope you join us for the next...
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
Michelle and Chris share some of the challenging behaviors they see in facilitators and offer some solutions on how to encourage better practices.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris go through a rapid-fire list of things they never leave home without when training team builders on the road. This fun energetic episode will leave you thinking about your own 'take-with-you' essentials.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Find out how, The Path to Action, Perception-Action-Will and the Trust premiss of Character and Competence can help you with your team building work.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Action Reflection and Object Lessons are the final techniques in this five-part series. Michelle and Chris share favorites and discuss why when and why they use them. We hope this series of processing techniques has given you new inspiration or revived an old tool you plan to revisit.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share another pair of processing and debriefing tools - Artistic Methods and Self Reflection. This five-part series (one more to go) is designed to show you how many ways you can approach the important task of discussing the valuable lessons of team building activities and programs. When you use different approaches you and your participants stay curious and engage more in the process of processing. Mix it up, make it fun.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris talk about the next two processing techniques - Intervention and Anchor Pieces. Interventions are ways to focus on correcting disruptive group behaviors and Anchors are tangible items participants can take home with them as a (learnings) reminder from a program.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris continue their current series on processing and debriefing with the Metaphoric Methods and Frontloading. Find out some of their favorite tools and activities for both techniques and two different ways to Frontload.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris dive into the first of a five-part series on Processing & Debriefing tools. Be sure to grab Michelles handout on all the tools we'll be sharing in the series. Then, be sure to catch all the episodes for the finer points on all the tools.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some activity ideas used to open up discussions involving mental health - activities to use with groups and personally to support your own mental health as well.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris discuss their experiences with summer camp staff training and share some of their go to activities to start building a cohesive staff community.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some new ideas for these two seminal team building activities. Find out how to use Group Juggle and TP Shuffle with larger groups and how to provide more action during the Shuffle.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris talk about the idea of choice in the field of adventure education/team building - who's making these choices, the complexities choices offer and how we consider presenting choice.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share some of their favorite activities using 8.5 by 11 inch paper (i.e., copy paper). This recyclable prop is easy to find wherever you go and provides so many opportunities.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris explore a recent question they received: "I'm always looking for new activities that will interest my skills trade students." In general, team builders want to capture the interest of their groups. It might not be a question of "what activity" but how an activity is presented.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle & Chris discuss some of the newer activities they've been using (and excited about) since leading and experiencing them at the last ACCT Conference. Find out about, Floor Safe (a Key Punch Variation) as well as, Macro Tenzi and Dude, found in the Team Building from the Toy Aisle book. Chris says, "It's one thing to read about a new activity, and another to play it! Thanks, Michelle, Trevor and Matt for leading such a fun ACCT Toy Aisle workshop." And don't miss the J.E.D.I. Skills connection with 'DUDE!'
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle & Chris share their experience phrasing activities with groups. Certain words we consider harmless can turn out to be just the opposite. Learn a bit about how to avoid unwanted distractions and cut down on the amount of questions you have to answer before getting an activity rolling.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris share four no-prop activities. Three have a solid track record of success and one is super-new, but is looking like a winner. All are great for larger groups and work while safely distancing.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle & Chris are up and running with the first episode of Season 3. The New Year gives us a chance to recommit to ourselves and our work. How do we plan to recommit? What will be your "word of the year" (or, word of the Month)? In what ways will you be able to "keep the fire burning?" Our work can be very challenging. How will we stay in the game and show up as the best version of ourselves?
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Join Michelle and Chris as they look back over the highlights of the second season and share a little bit about what's ahead for the 'Ask' podcast.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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WOW. Episode #50! Thank you so much for sharing the adventure with us. As long as you're listening, we'll keep going.
For the 50th, Michelle and Chris explore the idea of 'Wisdom'...it's like wine... (how so? head over to 50 and find out!). They share their first wisdom-filled books, mentors and resources they still tap into - wisdom is everywhere. However, wisdom is like wine...
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Join Michelle and Chris on a little 'crazy' rant (not too ranty) about individual and group behaviors that can push our buttons (and maybe yours too?). Since we've been seeing these behaviors for a while now, we also share some of our methods for moving past the crazy and onto the good stuff.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Join Michelle & Chris as they meander through a discussion about when to support a group, even if you notice that not everything is going well, and when to challenge a group - push back on the group when they are missing some learnings. Some possible answers float to the surface, some things are still open for discussion.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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Michelle and Chris share their newest ways to work with the Islands challenge course low element and the all-time favorite Stepping Stones. Find out how to get from point 'A' to point 'B' with more engagement and problem-solving opportunities.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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After a number of recent requests, Michelle and Chris share some of their ideas about how to start and take the journey into full time work in the adventure education field. The bottom line is all about experience - get yourself into companies and programs near you to build your skill sets. Grow your Adventure portfolio and save your program plans. Keep track of 'failures' (actually a growing part of portfolios these days) and how you plan(ned) to improve. All good steps to full time work. Show Notes include links to Job Boards, training hubs and Associations that can help you move down the path.
We hope you join us.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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We are, first and foremost, celebrating the release of Michelle's new book, Team Building from the Toy Aisle (co-written with Matthew Broda and Trevor Dunlap). Then we share a couple of the gems in the book and talk about the mindset of changing a 'game' into a team building 'activity.'
We hope you join us.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Michelle and Chris share their thoughts about using consequences during activities. There are times when 'fun' consequences liven up the group (Opera Singer), and other times when more natural consequences focus in on the learning (a lower grade). It all relates to the purpose of the program. Join in and find out about the new 'Consequences Thumb Ball!'
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle and Chris share new ways to lead some old classics in this new mini-series called Reinvigorating Classics. In this first volume Chris shares a goal-setting and achievement process using the Spider Web called, Count Me In and Michelle explains a new way to Key Punch using the alphabet called The Pangram Project. (Do you know want a pangram is?)
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Every day, more and more team builders are getting back in front of excited, interested and apprehensive learners. In this Episode Michelle and Chris share some ideas and considerations about re-engaging face-to-face with program participants.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle and Chris share some closing activities that will help bring groups back to some important learnings from their programs. When we program for purposeful outcomes, it will be important to take a fair amount of time to reflect.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Responding to some questions about team building with specific groups (e.g., those recovering from trauma, special education students) or specific topics to address (e.g., gender diversity) with groups, Michelle and Chris share some common features in programming with all groups and special considerations when working with specific groups (e.g., be aware of your bias blind spots when working with groups).
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Join Michelle and Chris for an idea and resource-filled episode on using image (or picture) cards for team building programs. Don't miss the show notes filled links to all the fun shared during the episode. Image cards are not just for processing any more!
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode (Part 2 of 2), Michelle and Chris share their thoughts on how to use 'puzzles' (particularly baffling problems that are said to have a correct solution) within team building programs. Lots of puzzle activity ideas are included.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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In this episode (Part 1 of 2), Michelle and Chris share their thoughts on how to use 'puzzles' (particularly baffling problems that are said to have a correct solution) within team building programs. Lots of puzzle activity ideas are included.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris share a handful of their favorite small group (2 to 6 participants) activities. This is a follow up to Episode #35 where Michelle and Chris shared how they approach programming and facilitating small groups.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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We received a recent question (thanks Dawn) asking about some good team building activities for small groups - 2 to 6 participants. Before we share some of our favorite activities (in the next Episode), we wanted to talk a little bit about how we consider programming and facilitating smaller groups. There are some common features between all sized groups and there are some important differences.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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We're so excited about moving into Season 2 of the "Ask" podcast. In this recent episode, Chris and Michelle describe recent Fun Finds that have turned into some solid team building activities.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Welcome to Season #2 of the Ask Michelle & Chris podcast! We're glad you're with us.
In this season's first episode, Michelle & Chris talk about reflecting on and choosing a word of the year (or, maybe even a word of the month or a word for a program - something for you to focus on to help you learn and grow is a facilitator). As we moving back into more and more programming, what will help us stay on track to show up as the best version of ourselves and lead team building programs that make a difference?
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris look back and talk about this interesting year, sharing learnings, discoveries, podcasting and possibilities. Who could have ever imagined.....
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle & Chris continue (from Episode #30 about virtual engagement) with more ideas on how to increase engagement during processing with team building groups - this time they focus on engagement with face-to-face groups. Some of the keys: getting participants "warmed-up" to talking and "those who talk more first, talk more."
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle and Chris talk about strategies and tools for increasing participant engagement in processing sessions during virtual team building programs. Some key points: What are the expectations you are setting around engagement - for yourself and your group? And, does your group understand your expectations. Are you using a variety of methods to process experiences? What processing tools are you using inside and outside of ZOOM?
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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In Episode #26, Michelle and Chris talked about the three kinds of programs they choose to offer their clients - Team Bonding, Team Building and Team Development. In this episode Michelle and Chris share the types of activities they consider for each kind of program.
During a needs assessment we (team builders) like to uncover our client's goals and objectives for a program - this helps us offer the right experience for them. Then, once we have the kind of program in mind, we can break down the goals and objectives into behaviors and go on to choose the types of activities that can surface those behaviors. This thinking can lead to powerful program designs.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Paul Cummings from Strategic Adventures joins Michelle and Chris to talk about marketing adventure programs and how we can leverage our facilitation skills in our marketing efforts. Paul shares his experience with needs assessments, promoting the value we bring to our programs, the importance of video messages and delivering on promises.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris talk about some of the important aspects of needs assessments. There is a lot to think about and include in your information gathering. You want to make sure you are able to understand your clients needs so you can put together the best possible program to meet their expectations.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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In this episode you'll find out how Michelle and Chris describe the three different types of 'team' programs they offer to potential clients. When we are clear about the programs we offer, we are more intentional about our outcomes and are better able to meet the needs and expectations of our participants.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris start a conversation about team building with younger groups. Chris shares that it's more about 'cooperative' activities and introducing younger populations to concepts like being kind and safe and being willing to share and help others when needed (as promoted by MacPhee Bower in her book, Adventure Play). Michelle likes to offer younger groups the opportunity to explore feelings and identify ways the whole group can be successful as opposed to only some success.
You'll also pick up a few action-packed activity ideas for younger populations in the episode and some useful resources to explore that can expand your activity options for elementary ages.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris share ideas about keeping your programming fresh. It all starts with mindset. Even if you are 'locked in' to certain programming sequences (doing the same activities), you can get into a mindset of excitement and energy. Because, as we know, we never know what can happen!
With a mindset of freshness, you can also revive old activities and make them new again, go browse around your favorite 'prop' stores or get together (in person or on ZOOM) to share ideas that will spark the excitement to try something new. And, don't miss Chris' 20-year habit that can keep you on your toes.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle and Chris share a few of their favorite, super-versatile, portable team building elements. Different from team building activities that can be done with or without props and where players keep their feet on the ground, elements are built structures that add to the complexity (and interest) of the task. Often times challenge course elements (low elements) will also require the participants to leave the ground within a manageable spotting distance. So, how do you take some of these low elements off the course and on the road? Listen in for some of the possibilities - all of which you can build yourself.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle and Chris discuss their considerations about how long to stay with ice-breakers and name games, problem-solving activities and processing sessions. With time, we find out how to watch our groups for changes in energy, signaling the need for something different. It could be staying with the activity but simply adding something to it to re-energize the group. It could be time for a check-in to find out where the group is at and what they need. It could also mean moving on to another activity in order to change the energy in a needed direction. Knowing (or sensing) how long to 'play out' and activity depends on a number of factors. Over time and purposeful observation we learn what to look for and when to step in. It's not an exact science, as Michelle and Chris note, it's more often about 'going with your gut' in order to provide the best possible experiences for our groups.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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In this episode, Michelle & Chris sit down with Angela Sebaly - Michelle's business partner in Personify Leadership. She shares with us her journey through traditional training and development into the experiential applications of training. We also find out about Angela's and Michelle's Personified Leadership training program - how it grew as a face-to-face experience and how it's evolved into including the virtual training course.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle and Chris share six additional team building activities you can lead while safely distancing participants. This is a primer for Chris' workshop on Sept. 28th 2020, covering a wide range of safely distancing activities.
If you are reading this before the 28th, find details HERE
If you are reading this after the 28th, find the complete assets package HERE
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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In this episode, Deb and David share their recent experiences team building face-to-face while safely distancing with participants. They tell us about coordinating with stakeholders, the preparations they made, the activities that worked for them (and the ones that didn't work) and some of their biggest learnings. They are out there proving that we can bring people together again face-to-face by carefully preparing for programs and working together, as a facilitation team, to manage the potential risks.
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Michelle & Chris share some advice about putting a price tag on virtual team building programs. Pricing virtual programs does not have to be much different than face-to-face programs. Two major considerations: Contact hours and 'development' fees. Advice: If six hours of face-to-face programming is $400 for a group of 12, contract three two-hour sessions for $400 (since the consensus is, two hours is a good timeline for an online session. Advice: If you have to spend more than an hour developing a specific (custom) program, charge an hourly rate for this extra time.
And, yes, this team building context is new for everyone (for now), but it doesn't mean it has to be cheaper - you are still providing value whether you are online or face-to-face. You might have to start out charging what 'feels' good to you (your organization), but over time, if you deliver memorable, purposeful programs, you can raise your prices due to your proven success. (And, don't forget to collect those testimonials!)
We hope you join us!
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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Just prior to this episode, Michelle had the opportunity to lead an activity training for 18 participants - teaching them how to lead some of the activities in her Table Top Team kit. As a way to contribute some data about programming while safely distancing, she shares with us what she thought about prior to leading the training, some of the activities she led and some of the procedures she followed during the training.
Available links to the resources shared will be provided in the Show Notes - if you have questions about any of the activities, or about Michelle's considerations for the training, please email her. We hope to share more data about team building while safely distancing on future episodes. And, please tell us what's working for you - submit a comment through the link below and we'll share it out.
Emails:michelle@training-wheels.com
chris@onteambuilding.com
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode, Michelle and Chris share five activities teachers (and team builders) can do to start building strong community connections in classrooms, and online, while safely distancing. Creating a safe environment to learn and grow is important. "Without relatedness, no work can get done." "The more we know about each other, the less likely we are to hurt one another." These are two quotes shared during the episode that highlight the fact that communities (classrooms and teams) of people who know each other learn and grow together, learn and grow more!
Links to the activities shared will be provided in the Show Notes along with additional resources for more connection and team building activities. You don't need to do a lot to make powerful connections between and with your students and participants. The important thing is to take the time to make them!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
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As a follow-up to the last episode, where Michelle shared her writing process, Chris shares his writing path, the folder method and productive writing tips. He never intended to be a 'writer' - his adventures simply started with providing handouts and resources for workshop participants 'back in the day' (the, go-to-the-print-shop-and-make-the-books-yourself-pubishing method). He never sought a publisher, one approached him. He collaborated on all but one of his 16 books and he supports neo-publishing because everyones ideas will help someone!
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode of the 'Ask' podcast, Michelle shares her writing process. She has written both non-fiction (A Teachable Moment and more...) and fiction (her novel, The Reel Sisters). In both genres Michelle tells us how she goes from the idea to a book in hand following a similar path.
Michelle talks about the power of collaborating with other authors and going solo. (Spoiler - she loves collaborating with others.) Then, whether collaborating or going it alone, there is the 'writers retreat' for ideation and brainstorming, followed by sticky notes (to numerous to count). When the ideas are flushed out it's time to consistently schedule writing time and guarding that time - no matter what - so you can see, first the light, then the end of the tunnel. A journey few people take, but one that most can accomplish!
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Michelle & Chris talk with Dr. Amy Climer about how to create meaningful experiences online. Amy has been delivering online experiences long before the rest of us were 'forced' into the virtual space. After receiving a flood of requests for help in the online space, Amy created a course, 'Leading Engaging Virtual Meetings' (including Trainings and Webinars) to help with the growing demand.
In this episode, we learn about the three keys to creating an engaging online experience, some tools to apply to online settings and ways to deliberately prepare and deliver purposeful programs.
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In Part 2 of this three-part series about What's Working for Team Builders Online, Michelle specifically shares Five Tips for Delivering Virtual Keynotes or Playnotes and a few of her go-to activities. Chris also shares some of his successes online and his favorite activity that can be led with any size group at the same time - no breakout rooms required.
Virtual team building programs work. Plan with outcomes in mine, remember the basics, know the software and keep participants active.
In Part 3 we talk with Dr. Amy Climer about how she creates meaningful learning experiences and opportunities online.
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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We've had several questions lately asking us about what's working online for team builders. In Part 1 of a three part series to address this question, we invited our good friend John Losey to help us with some answers. John has been a vital part of our online team building learning experiences and has helped dozens of other online team builders learn and grow.
John tells us about starting with a positive and realistic mindset - "The skills that make us good face-to-face team builders do not necessarily make us good online team builders." We need to accept this, recognize the skills needed for online programs and then learn and practice these skills. His method for helping online team builders - intentional guided practice. "We are in the same place we ask our participants to be on a daily basis, out of our comfort zones." With guided practice we can learn in a safe environment and receive needed feedback and coaching to gain the confidence to lead online programs.
"We've got to be willing to be bad for a while" and put ourselves out there in order to learn. It's important to also recognize the realities of an online context. Technical difficulties will be the norm. Accept this fact and learn how to problem-solve. Have someone help with the technology so you don't have to remember everything and keep it simple. Stay away from the "shiny objects" until you are comfortable with the basics. And, most importantly, start with your program outcomes in mind and find activities that will work in the online context. Avoid trying to fit an activity you already know into a context that won't support it. You'll need to do the legwork to find and/or create experiences right for the platform(s) you are using. And, it is possible to really enjoy the experience of online programming (just ask Michelle!).
In Part 2 (next week) Michelle & Chris share what has been working for them online.
Find out more about John and how to get into one of his Guided Practice workshops by visiting his website or sending him an email:
Website: https://intowisdomgroup.com/praxis
Email: john@praxistraining.com
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode, Michelle and Chris discuss their past and current experiences with using blindfolds. When using blindfolds (within a common mental model), we can awaken other senses, we learn to rely on and trust others to take care of us and we share common experiences. Not using blindfolds (e.g., during 'trust-building' activities) gives us instant choice and holds us accountable for what we need - we can try to be without sight, but we can change our minds in an instant. (And, what predicates changing our minds?)
Michelle and Chris consider 'Trauma-Informed Care' and how this can influence the decision to use blindfolds. They also share some activity ideas related to removing sight as a resource and some creative ways to 'impair' sight without taking it away completely. Overall, it comes down to outcome-based reasoning - what are the target outcomes of a program and will using blindfolds be the best way to reach one or more of the outcomes.
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode, Michelle and Chris discuss their experiences with physically distancing during a team building activity training with local (Colorado) team builders. "It wasn't as easy as we thought it would be!" was the overall consensus. Michelle and Chris share their preparations for the training, some activities that can be set up before participants arrive and a variety of activities that can be done (after setting up distancing norms) while physically distancing. The biggest take-away for Michelle and Chris was the importance of setting up and following through on distancing norms. Team building at a distance can be done - pre-program preparations, activity set up, slowing down and helping each other stay aware, are all important considerations.
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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In this episode, Michelle and Chris share another processing model (a follow-up from last weeks episode) that is easy to learn and leads to effective transfer of learning. Chris, specifically shares how he uses it to build empathy for behaviors that surface during group work. This model also encourages the use of 'closed-ended' questions and 'why' questions as a way of leading-to-learning. (These types of question are okay to ask! How you ask them is the key.) The current resource discussed in this episode is:
Open to Outcome: A Practical Guide for Facilitating & Teaching Experiential Reflection (2nd ed.)
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
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In this episode, Michelle and Chris share some thoughts about using the, What? So What? Now What? processing model. Find out about:
- Where the model originated (a Historical overview)
- How they were first introduced to the model
- Some tools that work well with the model, and
- One way the model has evolved
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
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Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
Pairing up participants is one of the primary skills of a team builder. In this episode, Michelle and Chris share some of their favorite pairing practices:
- Handshakes (check out THESE VIDEOS)
- Back-to-Back
- Using Playing Cards & Distributing the Cards
- Using 'Rhyming Words' Puzzle
- Hog Call Cards, the FUN Stretch
- Compound Words (& Building Trust)
- Dominos (& Onimod)
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
In this episode, Michelle and Chris give advice on how to enhance your facilitation skills with additional professional development.
Learn About:
- Finding a Mentor or Coach
- 'Play Days' with other Facilitators
- Conferences that are more specialized in facilitation
- Books to help grow your skills
- Blogs that focus on facilitation
- CEU's and higher education degrees
- Online courses
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
In this episode, Michelle and Chris explain how to lead five different community connection activities that can take less than five-minutes to play. Perfect for helping your team know each other a little better and a great way to get the brains warmed up for the meeting ahead.
Learn About:
- The Ice Breaker Question Exchange
- Name Letter Opener
- Spot It & Ubuntu Cards
- Image Card Stories
- Conversation Starter Buttons
Great ways to practice 'connection before content' - when we know more about each other, we are more likely to support and help each other through thick and thin.
We hope you join us!
Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
Submit a comment or team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
In this episode, Michelle and Chris initially share their thoughts about how they name that important time in a program when groups talk about their experience together. Common names are: Processing (Processing the Experience), Debriefing, Reflection, and Reviewing. Then, they go into "kinds" of processing and some of the tools and techniques they use to, "have conversations with people before, during and after programs...to bring about learnings."
Lots of useful resource links for each episode in the Show Notes HERE.
Submit a team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
In this episode, we're learning from Michelle about her recent experiences creating, training and leading team building activities virtually. She admits her slow adoption (i.e., resistance) to team building online and then shares how she eventually embraced the challenge and "...now, dare I say, I'm energized by it and actually enjoying it."
Her journey (over less than two months) rolled out in stages - 1) how do we 'tweak' activities we know for the virtual world, 2) once we learn the tech, how do we use the features in the 'platforms' to support team building community building/activities for the virtual format, and 3) Creating activities unique to the space and with more interaction - through the tech and activities.
Michelle emphasizes, virtual team building, "is going to be part of the new normal in our field." And this can be a good thing. Consider this - we can 'extend' our program contact by meeting, and connecting, with our groups before the face-to-face program in order to get to know each other and start laying out expectations. Then, when we meet in person, we can get right to the interactions that make our programs so powerful - we have more time for the problem solving activities and challenges.
"The world is asking us (like we ask our participants) to step outside of our comfort zones to stretch ourselves and learn something new."
Finally, Michelle gives us important advice for designing virtual team building programs - what are the difference and similarities between face-to-face and online and how you want to think about billing for these services. And, she gives us a sneak peak at the landscape and some virtual fun ahead. Dive in! Lots of great take-aways.
Find links to Michelle's virtual activity ebooks and video replays of her online trainings in the Show Notes HERE.
Submit a team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE
Michelle and Chris spend a lot of time with team builders - both face-to-face and virtually (via emails, social media and online programs). Over the last 25+ years they have both fielded a lot of questions during these interactions. As a way to answer even more questions through a different medium and reach team builders all over the world, they decided to produce this weekly podcast.
In this Introduction Episode, you'll find out more about Michelle and Chris and their motivation behind the podcast and what to expect. The plan for this first season is to explore team building questions that recycle themselves over time and to tackle new questions (e.g., Virtual Team Building) that have yet to be answered.
Dive in and join the adventure.
Lots of useful resource links for each episode in the Show Notes HERE.
Submit a team building related question HERE
Michelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
Sign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
Dr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
Sign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi-Monthly Activity email HERE