Building or Bonding - is there a Difference?

Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English defines these 2 words as follows:-

bond :
1) something that unites two or more people or groups, such as a shared feeling or interest
2) to (cause to) stick together

build
1) to make (a structure) by putting pieces together
2) to (cause to) develop; form
3) to try to establish a connection or friendly relationships, especially between opposing groups or ideas
4) to use as a base for further development
5) to base on, to depend on
6) to (cause to) increase, develop or become gradually larger

As you can see, there are marked differences to the nuance to these 2 words which should be self-evident, even if you put the word team before it ie team bond, team build. I especially want to highlight definitions #3 & #4 for "build" as it has such relevance when we discuss team-building.

Yet many organizations fail to make this distinction when they decide to make a request for a team activity.

Michael West in his 2004 book Motivate Teams, Maximize Success – Effective Strategies for Realizing Your Goals shares that research suggests that “quick fix” bonding sessions may have little impact upon how effectively the team actually works together.

He goes on to share that team building is oft imagined to be specially organized outward-bound activities or group exercises like figuring out how to cross a river using plastic barrels, wooden poles and rope. (Others I might go on to share like ‘amazing race’-type activities, dragon-boating, white water rafting, paint-ball, which on deeper reflection equate almost to the ubiquitous bowling session, just more “glam”)

Whilst such activities can result in team members having more positive attitudes towards one another (because of their shared experience), significant impact to the efficacy of the team working together is often not achieved.

"More effective team building processes involves taking days out of the team’s regular work specifically to focus on task performance."

So I will always ensure the following 3 key factors are part of any of my client discussions:-

What is/are the (real) objective(s) for this team building?

Be realistic that this is a gradual and continuous process that takes time and miracles do not happen overnight with just 1 session.

Design with the participants and group dynamics in mind but it is essential that meaningful discussions and reflection arise from these facilitated-activities so that the learning can be applied and sustained back at the work place.

Team-building or Team-bonding ? Do think again.