When we get a team building group that is a bit on the small side (see my post on the ideal team size for team building), some programs on our menu are simply not suitable. You can’t successfully run an Olympic-style sports program with only 9 pax for example. So, in situations like this, I usually recommend something creative instead. A cooking challenge works well for small group team building but my absolute favourite is movie making team building.
It’s highly creative and technically challenging. As a result it allows participants to really go deep into the team building experience by sharing ideas, planning properly, and collaborating closely without the rush that sometimes accompanies a team building event with larger groups. Small group team building is more personal and intimate and we can afford to take the time to consider things in more depth.
This small group of senior leaders and their CEO came to us from the hospitality industry and we held the event at Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach, one of my favourite hotels on the island.
I have already said that small group team building is more detailed and creative. This movie making team building was a tough challenge. With our comprehensive collection of costumes and props, teams set about filming their movies around hotel grounds and the nearby beach areas, attracting plenty of odd and confused looks from other tourists and hotel staff.
Teams have to think of everything including scouting locations, script writing, directing, acting, filming, sound production, cinematography, and editing. There’s a role for everyone in the team. The extroverts usually volunteer for the lead acting roles while the introverts often take on more supporting actor roles. Also, there’s always someone who excels in the editing phase and reveals hidden talents.
Even with the help of ChatGPT in their script writing, this particular group seemed to forget about the speaking roles. It was more of a 1920s silent movie, more Benny Hill than Brad Pitt. Despite that, it’s always hilarious watching one another in the final product and, for this reason, movie making team building remains one of my personal favourites.