How to Hire a Team Building Consultant

Determine what you want to accomplish in your team building event. Possible missions might include increasing productivity through self-evaluation, development of people skills through empathy and compassion exercises, as well as promoting general team building and bonding among your staff.

Pick a setting for your team building event. Since many team building consultants specialize in events for specific settings such as the outdoors, you need to have an idea of what kind of environment you want your team building event to take place in.

Talk to other executives or human resources professionals that typically hire a team building consultant. You may gain insight into what is available, as well as get referrals to consultants with proven track records in achieving results.

Set up an appointment with a team building consultant to discuss the different packages they offer. You will find that different consultants offer everything from multi-day communication workshops to afternoon "fun" events that include ice-breaking games.

Ask the consultant you plan to hire about the cost per person and inquire about a discount for including more or fewer of your employees. Team building events such as whitewater rafting may require a commitment of more people than other less labor-intensive team building exercises.

Make sure that you are aware of any obligation to provide equipment for the event that may fall out of the realm of the work of your team building consultant. Depending on the event, you may need to arrange for additional equipment rental or catering for your staff.

Talk about how to follow up on your team building event with the consultant. Your efforts to bring your team together should not end with the conclusion of your company's wilderness survival weekend. Your consultant should provide you with exercises to engage your staff when you return to your normal office setting.