Why Team Huddles Are Essential for Event Success: Building Connection, Collaboration, and Energy

At some point in our lives, we’ve probably been asked to have a team huddle, listen to our coach’s best pep talk, and then “all hands in,” “GO TEAM!” Right?

I wasn’t much of an athlete, but from what the movies have shown me, those huddles are some of the most inspirational moments of the game. They set the tone of teamwork and pump up the masses. The coach literally has the role of creating the headspace for all their players to get in game-time mode. This concept is transferable to all teams – especially in the event world.

Whenever I kick off AND close an event, it’s mandatory that we have a team huddle, and here’s why:

1. It sets the purpose of being together
2. It creates a connection between the group
3. It develops the tone of the experience
4. It creates a sense of collaboration – “We’re all in this together”
5. It gets people energized
6. It lets everyone know who is in which role – the “game plan”
7. It provides a collective space to answer questions some may be afraid to ask
8. It inspires people to do more
9. It shows appreciation
10. It helps people understand the difference they’re making

Here’s a hypothetic example of how you can include all 10 of these in one brief and meaningful huddle:

*In an enthusiastic, loud voice*: “I am so impressed that 30 of you came out this early on a Saturday morning to volunteer at the farm. It means a great deal to us here at Farm Town because we rely on volunteers to stay in business. As a team, we’ll be harvesting over 5 tons of potatoes today all of which will go to food pantries throughout the region. That literally means that hundreds of people in our community will be fed because of your efforts today. Now that’s what I call a good use of a morning!  Do you agree? *wait for the cheer* Alright! Half of you are going to be picking and the other half are going to be sorting. Once you get to your station you’ll get more instructions. Before we divide and conquer I want to tell you about the Smith’s. They’re one of the families that recently became food secure after years of accessing our pantry. *tell short story* Now each and every one of you will be a part of making more families like the Smith’s stable. Thank you again for being here – you’re making a big impact. Now all hands in and shout “POTATOES” on three!”

Neglecting to do a team huddle is one of the biggest oversights in the event world. Training people separately is all good and well, but please, for the love of teams, spend a moment addressing the whole group before you go into training mode. It’s quick, easy, inspirational, and FREE!

Want to learn more about enhancing your team dynamics? Check out MaryBeth’s book, Permission to Be Human.