Bonding with co-workers - is it worth it?

By Tom Whitley
Network World on Careers, 10/13/99

In a nutshell, if one of my bosses ever tells me again that they are thinking about a career development opportunity - specifically a chance for everyone in the office to get better acquainted and bond - I'm going to run for the hills. Don't misunderstand me, I'm all for getting to know my co-workers. But in the middle of July, with the heat and humidity running about even, I wouldn't want to bond with my own family. The basic premise is sound - teamwork is essential for continuing success. But teaching teamwork and bonding is easier said than done. For example:

� When you are told to bring insect repellent, good shoes, a towel and a hat, you get the feeling some important details are being left out. We boarded a bus and headed out for the day. I noticed a lot of nervous looks that were asking the question: WHY AM I DOING THIS?

� To start our bonding, we arrived at an obstacle course used to train rookie police officers and firefighters. First, we were divided into teams that were to compete during the day. "Work together," our guide said, "so that you can be declared the best team unit at the end of the day." Most of us now had the same look of: DO I REALLY CARE?

� We climbed ropes, crossed "shark-infested waters" and scaled walls, helping each other as we went. We were told that a team is as strong as its weakest member, so we shouted encouragement (or threats) to the weak links in the chain. Nearly everyone now shared a look of: ARE THESE PEOPLE FOR REAL AND WHEN IS LUNCH?

� After enjoying a gourmet bag lunch, we headed out for the afternoon session. By now several bonders had called it quits. They watched from the sidelines and drank the last of the bottled water while the rest of us looked at each other and wondered: WILL MY BODY EVER BE THE SAME?

� We went home, tired, bug bitten, dirty and relieved that our bonding was over. We quietly washed away the last evidence of a day in the woods. Several people had to be treated for poison ivy while others developed food poisoning. The next day we arrived at work with the same look: HOW DID THAT NONSENSE HELP MY CAREER AND WILL I EVER HAVE TO DO THAT AGAIN?

Looking back, maybe it wasn't so bad, but I wonder if we really learned anything useful about bonding. I question whether it is possible to teach bonding that is useful to business professionals. If bonding can be taught, I seriously doubt that one should try to use the same teaching methods that are used for law enforcement and military units. I've heard that next year we might be going white water rafting. It's too bad I'm going to be out of town attending my favorite aunt's funeral AGAIN!