From Spreadsheets to Spray Paint: The Art of Team Building
Team building is essential for fostering a cohesive and productive work environment. While traditional activities like retreats and workshops have their merits, there's something uniquely powerful about creating a tangible artifact together. One approach that we’ve been fortunate enough to test and refine over the years is team building through the creation of art installations. This not only strengthens team bonds but also unlocks individual and collective potential in unexpected ways.
The first hurdle is often the most predictable: "But my team isn't artistic!" This reaction is precisely why creative projects are so effective. When you put a group of people who don't consider themselves "artists" in charge of creating something visual together, magic happens. That accountant who's always buried in spreadsheets might surprise everyone with an amazing eye for color. Your typically quiet IT manager might turn out to be a whiz at spatial design. The act of making breaks down the preconceived notions about our individual roles and allows team members to appreciate undiscovered facets of each others personality.
Creating an art installation as a team requires collaboration on multiple levels. Each member brings unique perspectives and skills, encouraging open communication and a deeper understanding of each other's strengths. Working towards a common goal helps develop a stronger bond and more cohesive dynamic, which naturally translates into improved cooperation and productivity in the workplace. The simple act of creating together makes it impossible not to engage with one another in meaningful ways.
One of the most powerful aspects of creative team projects is their ability to level the playing field. Art has this wonderful way of dissolving workplace hierarchies. Your job title doesn't matter when you're all equally clueless about how to mix colors or build a frame. The junior employee might end up teaching the CEO how to use a glue gun. These moments reshape how people see each other, breaking down the invisible barriers that often exist in workplace hierarchies and creating more authentic connections.
Inspiration Forest, 2020
A prime example was our Inspiration Forest experience for a design all hands. It was an evolving, participatory installation that grew and transformed with each individual’s contribution, mirroring the organic nature of both community and organization. Like a living forest, this installation thrived on the diverse input of its participants, each one leaving an imprint that shaped its form. As more voices joined, the installation became richer and more complex, reflecting the collective spirit of the group. Beneath the surface, though, it’s the individual stories and unique responses that truly cultivated its growth.
Unlike traditional team-building exercises that end when everyone goes home, an art installation creates a lasting impact. It becomes a physical reminder of what your team can accomplish together. Every time someone walks past it, they remember the laughter, the problems solved, and the pride of creating something unique. This reminder serves as a daily reinforcement of team capability and connection.
The results of these creative endeavors often extend far beyond the artwork itself. Teams frequently report surprising outcomes in their day-to-day operations. People begin approaching work problems more creatively, and cross-department communication improves naturally. The office environment takes on a more personal and meaningful atmosphere, with team members showing increased willingness to help each other out. Perhaps most significantly, innovation in daily work increases as people feel more comfortable thinking "outside the box."
Success in these projects isn't measured by artistic talent but by approach and attitude. The key is to begin with something manageable: perhaps a mural, a mosaic, or a collaborative sculpture. What matters most is ensuring everyone has a meaningful role to play, from planning and design to execution and installation. This inclusive approach ensures that every team member feels valued and invested in the final outcome. Embracing creative team-building activities leads to a more engaged, productive, and happy workforce. So next time you're considering yet another trust fall exercise or awkward happy hour, consider picking up some paint brushes instead. You might just be surprised at what your team can create together – both on and off the canvas.