Hello IATF Community! 

What attracted you to the world of teambuilding? For me it was the opportunity to help people connect with each other in a positive way and then help them prosper from their connection in a win-win way. In this newsletter you'll find lots of free resources that will help you connect with your team members.

I'm excited to support you and the great work you're doing in the world.

NEW TeleSeminar!

Free Team & Leadership Development Recordings

The following free teambuilding resources will remain available to everyone for the next 72 hours and then they will be archived in the IATF Members Only Area.

• The Stories We Create -- Narrative and Engagement in Organizations with special guest David Hutchens.    Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free (limited time)  CLICK HERE
  

• How To Take a Breather (and remain successful) with special guest Gregg Levoy.   Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free (limited time)  CLICK HERE
  

• Courageous Leadership -- A Program For Using Courage to Transform the Workplace with special guest Bill Treasurer.   Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free (limited time)  CLICK HERE
  

• 7 Qualities of the Leader As Coach -- Secrets to Leading in the Inspiration Age by Tom Heck. Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free (limited time)  CLICK HERE

Send a FREE Card

When was the last time you sent a card (through the mail) to a team member? 

Send a card for FREE now.

Celebrate an achievement. Say thank you. Provide encouragement.

Take a moment now to send a free card to a team member (boss, employee, client, or supplier) or even a loved one. You'll make their day and you'll feel great in the process because you took the time to reach out and connect. CLICK HERE  

IATF Group Coaching 

Come to this call to receive coaching in a group setting.  Be ready to offer support to other IATF members.  Network with other members.  Depending on the number of people who show up we may or may not have time to address your particular issue.  Stay for the entire 60 minute call or if your schedule requires, leave early. This is a great opportunity to connect and network with fellow IATF members (facilitators, trainers, coaches, educators, managers, supervisors).

IATF Members Only   CLICK HERE to register

NEW Teambuilding Book / Game System

SALE ENDS FRIDAY!

I've just completed a brand new teambuilding games book that's taken three years to create.  It's not just a book, it's a teambuilding games system that fits in your back pocket!  This new system includes 30 laminated "Teamwork Cards", a 150 page book which thoroughly describes how to lead all the teambuilding games PLUS a series of debriefing (processing) activities (all using the cards).  To top it off I've created a DVD showing all the games in action. It's a sweet package that's perfect for anyone who needs a highly portable, multi-use, all-in-one teambuilding games system. 

 SALE ENDS FRIDAY!

CLICK HERE to buy now and save!

 

 

Hello IATF Community! 

I hope you've started 2011 with a vision that inspires you and brings out the best in others. After a great deal of introspection and conversations with my friends, mentors, and members I've set an organizational vision that revolves around helping nonprofits grow inspired teams. We've already taken major steps in this arena by enrolling managers and supervisors from a number of nonprofits from across the country in the IATF Leader As Coach Fast Track Program which begins January 25, 2011. If you work for a nonprofit or a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) anywhere in the world I want to talk with you about how the IATF can help you grow inspired teams within your organization!

I'm excited to support you and the great work you're doing in the world.

Upcoming TeleSeminars

Free Team & Leadership Development Recordings

The following free teambuilding resources will remain available to everyone for the next 72 hours and then they will be archived in the IATF Members Only Area.

• Secrets to Facilitating "The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" with Pat Richie, Principal Consultant at the Table Group     Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free CLICK HERE
• The 7 Qualities of the Leader As Coach -- Secrets to Leading in the Inspiration Age    Get the audio recording, handout, bonus material, and the slide deck for free.  CLICK HERE
• How To Achieve Full Alignment -- Practical Steps to Transform Your Life (or Team) Vision into Action   Get the audio recording of this TeleSeminar for free CLICK HERE

Video Training

• Netflix CEO Shares Secrets for Running a Successful Company  CLICK HERE
• 5 Steps To Excel at Work  CLICK HERE
• How learning can more fully support organizational performance  CLICK HERE
• If You've Never Failed, You've Never Lived  CLICK HERE

Funny Teamwork  

• How To Safely Greet Someone in a Team Meeting  CLICK HERE
   
• Marching Band Kicks Giant Ball  CLICK HERE

NEW Teambuilding Book / Game System

I've just completed a brand new teambuilding games book that's taken three years to create.  It's not just a book, it's a teambuilding games system that fits in your back pocket!  This new system includes 30 laminated "Teamwork Cards", a 150 page book which thoroughly describes how to lead all the teambuilding games PLUS a series of debriefing (processing) activities (all using the cards).  To top it off I've created a DVD showing all the games in action. It's a sweet package that's perfect for anyone who needs a highly portable, multi-use, all-in-one teambuilding games system. 

You wouldn't believe what it's taken to get this ready to market - - years of testing and improving and then finding a printer that could handle the book, cards, and DVD production.  Everying is now in place and I'll soon announce how you can get your set at a special introductory launch price!  Keep an eye out for an email arriving in your inbox soon!

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your October 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

Here at the IATF we offer lots of TeleSeminars because it's a powerful and effective way to help people learn new ideas quickly and easily.  When you participate in an IATF TeleSeminar you get to engage with our guest speaker (ask questions, interact, etc.).  In this newsletter you can get immediate access to two great TeleSeminar recordings (nonmembers get access for the next 24 hours only).  Be sure to register for next week's TeleSeminar on "Gamestorming". 

Earlier this year I was a guest panelist at the Nonprofit Technology Network conference in Atlanta.  The topic was all about working with and leading Virtual Teams.  The full video of this presentation is now available for FREE (link below).

One of my favorite Team Theory articles below is "The Universe Rewards Action, Not Thought".  I'd love to hear what you think of this.

Thank you for the opportunity to support the good work you're doing.

Upcoming TeleSeminars

Member Buzz Roundup

The IATF community is AMAZING.  Check out what some of our members are up to: 

• Dr. Relly Nadler's new book Leading With Emotional Intelligence.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Debora McLaughlin and her new Real World Leader's Institute.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Paul Limoges the AEE Exec shares his secret insights. CLICK HERE for more.
• Adam Lybarger joins Lodestone Adventures as a facilitator.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Aric Bostick stops the bullying.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Dianne Crampton launches Waffeling to Winning.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Ray Reuter brings spirituality to the workplace.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Mike Cardus has a game to address conflict.  CLICK HERE for more.

Video

• Leading Virtual Teams  CLICK HERE
• Value of Experiential Learning  CLICK HERE
• Why You Can't Work at Work  CLICK HERE

Audio -- TIME SENSITIVE

• Are You Charging Enough? Pricing Strategies for the New Economy CLICK HERE
  • NOTE:  This audio recording  available to nonmembers for 24 hours only.  Includes a significant discount coupon.
• Happiness & Teamwork  CLICK HERE
  • NOTE:  This audio recording available to nonmembers for 24 hours only.
• Secrets of Social Media  CLICK HERE 

Leadership Theory

• The Universe Rewards Action, Not Thought  CLICK HERE
• Tips on Boosting Workplace Happiness  CLICK HERE
• The Trouble With Teamwork  CLICK HERE
• To Evoke The Best From Others On Your Team  CLICK HERE
• The Value of Play at Work  CLICK HERE
• 6 Coaching Questions to Ask Your Direct Reports  CLICK HERE

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your September 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

The economy continues to challenge many, particularly those who work in small and medium-sized nonprofits.

Over the past couple of weeks I've been talking with several Executive Directors (EDs) of small and medium-sized nonprofits about how they handle the development needs of emerging leaders ("rising stars") within their organizations.  Most don't have a clear plan in place.  All of the EDs recognize the need for leadership development, but two big obstacles stand in the way:

1. Cost of the leadership development (training)
2. Time away from work

Large nonprofits (YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs, Red Cross, etc.) don't have the same training and development obstacles that small and medium sized nonprofits do.  The big guys have entire   departments at the national office dedicated to advancing leadership development within the entire (networked) organization whereas the small and medium sized nonprofits are on their own.

One ED at a medium-sized nonprofit told me she would hesitate to provide leadership development to an emerging leader on her team because the average person only stays a year or two (especially true with Gen-Y).  So her team members do their best without any leadership training.  Before the recession, the ED found this system worked.  Now the challenges are great and her staff lack the leadership skills to move forward with confidence.

There is another way.

What if you provided cost-effective, results-driven leadership development to your emerging leaders (rising stars) knowing full well that staff would likely stay for one to three years?  The investment in staff development would pay off in two ways:  1) Your organization benefits from having inspired, capable leaders and 2) Word gets out in the employment marketplace that your organization is the place to go to receive the leadership training needed to advance careers (regardless of where one works).  This is the same approach many large, forward-thinking corporations are using (as reported by Gen-Y expert Bea Fields).

If you're the Executive Director of a small or medium-sized nonprofit, I want to talk with you and learn about your leadership development needs so we (the IATF community) can support you.  Take a look at the IATF distance learning leadership development program Leader As Coach Fast Track Program and let me know if this is the type of leadership development that would benefit your emerging leaders (rising stars).  Take a look at the IATF member benefits and let me know if your emerging leaders would benefit from inclusion in this inspired community of movers and shakers.  Let's talk.

Upcoming TeleSeminars

Member Buzz Roundup

The IATF community is AMAZING.  Check out what some of our members are up to: 

• Demetris Booth shares secrets of Collaborative Intelligence.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Terrance Bradford enrolled in Transformative Studies Ph.D program.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Badari Ambatti at NYC Outward Bound changing lives.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Lauralee Nieves-Hughes builds stronger virtual community.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Jaime Cipperly works with high performing sports team.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Mike Cardus uses knives and marshmallows to help a team.  CLICK  HERE for more.
• Diane Crampton develops free training videos.  CLICK  HERE for more.

Video Clips

• Secrets of Motivation by Dan Pink.  CLICK HERE
• Can A Team Lead Themselves?  CLICK HERE
• Example of Poor Leadership Coaching  CLICK HERE
• Lessons about the Leader As Coach  CLICK HERE
• How NOT to do PowerPoint  CLICK HERE

Free Leadership Skill

Looking for a no-cost method for becoming a stronger leader?  It's the same method 90% of the super successful employ.  CLICK HERE

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your August 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

I recently returned from my summer vacation in the Finger Lakes region of NY and we (family) had a great time.  Lots of swimming, bicycle riding, badminton, and reading.  I'm so grateful to enjoy this time with my wife and kids.  Today my kids returned to school and this required a big shift for all of us.  My focus is now fully on the IATF and supporting the work of our community members.

I'd like to welcome all of our new IATF members (we had lots join during the summer).  One of the greatest joys I have is learning about the good work our members are doing to build inspired teams.  Check out the Member Buzz Roundup below to get a taste of what some of our members have been up to. 

If you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback about the IATF please share them with me.  As we grow, I want to make sure we grow in "Class 1" way (Class 1 experience = feels good, good for you, good for others, serves the greatest good)

Upcoming TeleSeminars

The IATF community is AMAZING.  Check out what some of our members are up to: 

• Brian Capron at UNC-Charlotte transforming lives of kids.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Deb Brown coaches leaders and teams.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Mike Cardus uses medieval siege weapon to build teams.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Diane Crampton offers free team assessment.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Aric Bostick presents at Harvard.  CLICK HERE for more.

Free Leadership Agility Assessment

The speed of change and level of complexity in today's world are straining the capacities of many leaders almost to the breaking point.  These conditions have created what we call the agility imperative. To succeed in this new era, leaders, teams, and organizations need to be agile.  CLICK HERE

Build a tower, build a team -- a teambuilding activity by Tom Wujec  CLICK HERE

What is the most important leadership quality of CEO's?  A new survey says "Creativity".  

What is the number one habit used by leaders to tap into and harness creativity?  CLICK HERE to find out.

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your July 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

In this issue you'll find lots of great training opportunities, both live and recorded (get the recordings before they disappear). 

If you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback about the IATF please share them with me.  As we grow, I want to make sure we grow in "Class 1" way (Class 1 experience = feels good, good for you, good for others, serves the greatest good)

Upcoming TeleSeminars

The IATF community is AMAZING.  Check out what our members are up to: 

• Mary Ann Masur of Synergy Consultants uses assessments in a unique way.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Rabbi Shmuly Rothman of Camp Gan Israel is using the "coach approach" this summer with amazing results.  CLICK HERE for more.

Free Training for 24 hours

For 24 hours only download the following IATF team and leadership development TeleSeminar recordings (IATF members can access all of these at anytime in the IATF members only area):

• How To Strengthen Relationships on Teams Using Visual Images with Christine Martell
• How To Build And Lead Inspired Teams with Dr. Lance Secretan

If you want to know the real holdbacks to your success, and how to align with your own true personality traits for not only achievement but a life of fulfillment, take this FREE 15-minute online assessment right now!  CLICK HERE

Here's a classic teambuilding game called the "Spider's Web" you can lead indoors!  CLICK HERE.

Remember Cinderella?  She didn’t pay attention to the clock and WHAM!  All the cool stuff around her disappeared.  

The clock is ticking and something cool and valuable is about to disappear on Monday.



Take advantage of our big IATF Membership SALE before time runs out!

Here are 3 extra special reasons to join now:

1. Buy 1 membership get 1 FREE  ($179 value)
2. $99 Training CD set for FREE
3. $600 Private Leadership Coaching FREE

CLICK HERE for details.

Each of the special bonuses listed above will disappear on a different day.  The longer you wait the fewer special bonuses you’ll receive.

Take a lesson from Cinderella and take action now before it’s too late!  CLICK HERE

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your June 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

In this issue you'll find lots of great training opportunities, both live and recorded (get the recordings before they disappear). 

A new feature is the IATF Member Buzz Roundup which showcases the wonderful work IATF members are doing around the world.  One of the greatest joys I have is connecting with IATF community members and learning about how they're growing inspired teams.  Now, through the Member Buzz Roundup, everyone gets to learn about the inspiring work of IATF members.

If you have ideas, suggestions, or feedback about the IATF please share them with me.  As we grow, I want to make sure we grow in the highest and best way.

Upcoming TeleSeminars

NEW! -- Member Buzz Roundup

The IATF community is AMAZING.  Check out what our members are up to: 

• Brian Wilson helps 4th graders become leaders.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Karen Valencic helps shift team success with "Accountability Value Credos".  CLICK HERE for more.
• Theresa Gran uses the power of fun and "SimpleTruths" at lunch time to inspire.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Susan Johnson heads up a new EDGE-y training center near DC.  CLICK HERE for more.
• Mike Cardus has developed a top leadership blog.  CLICK HERE for more.

NEW! -- Calendar of IATF Events

With so much happening at the IATF we thought it would be a good idea to create a calendar of events.  Take a look HERE. 

Free Training for 24 hours

For 24 hours only download the following IATF team and leadership development TeleSeminar recordings (IATF members can access all of these at anytime in the IATF members only area):

• Do More Great Work with guest Michael Bungay Stanier
• How Linchpins Are Transforming Organizations with guest Seth Godin
• Secrets to Leading Gen-Y with guest Bea Fields
• Teams In Transition: 6 Tips to Coach Teams Through the Storm with Tom Heck
• DRIVE - The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us with guest Dan Pink

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your January 2010 teamwork ideas e-newsletter.

Our hearts reach out to the people of Haiti.  There are many people and organizations working to help during this difficult time.  If you haven't already done so, please consider donating to the Red Cross HERE.

Today, here in the United States, we celebrate the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King.  Life's most persistent and nagging question, King said, is "what are you doing for others?"  Our relationships  team  world would be transformed if each of us pursued the answer to this question.

2010 is an important year for the IATF.  Our emphasis and focus this year is INSPIRATION.  We will continue to establish and strengthen relationships with leaders who seek to grow inspired teams.  Be sure to listen to the audio interview with Dr. Lance Secretan (link below) who recently spoke at the IATF about how you can be an inspired leader and build inspired teams.

Free TeleSeminars

Free Virtual Team Resources

In December 2009 the IATF hosted the first Virtual Team Leader Virtual Conference taking place over the course of 5 days.  This course was designed for those who are new to leading virtual teams.  The course included classes, coaching, guest speakers, handouts, assessments and more.  IATF members receive immediate and full access to all the materials for free.  For a limited time you can now access the recordings of our guest speakers for this event:

• Jessica Lipnack -- Secrets to unlocking virtual team intelligence HERE
• Barry Rellaford -- Building trust on the virtual team HERE
• Shaun Callahan -- Empowering the virtual team HERE
• Brian Burt -- Engaging the virtual team HERE
• Jenn Sramek -- Lessons learned from leading a multinational virtual team HERE

Free IATF Visiting Faculty Audio Interview

How to be inspired and inspiring – everywhere, with everyone, all the time - with IATF Visiting Faculty Member Dr. Lance Secretan.  CLICK HERE to access the recording for a limited time. 

Free Teambuilding Game with VIDEO

How important is timing and coordination of efforts on your team?  Here's a simple no-prop game that can help your team practice and refine these skills.  CLICK HERE for video and more info.

Free Team Theory

How does a teambuilding game relate to a job?  CLICK HERE

Workshops

January 21, 2009 -- "Lessons In Leadership" in Asheville, NC  MORE INFO

March & April 2010 -- "AEE regional conferences all over US  MORE INFO

Hello Teamwork Facilitators!  It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators, with your summer teamwork ideas newsletter.

Here at the IATF it's been a very busy and productive summer.  We've hosted several very popular TeleSeminars with IATF Visiting Faculty Members including one with Emotional Intelligence expert Dr. Relly Nadler and another with Trust Building expert Barry Rellaford.  Our next IATF Visiting Faculty Member will be speaking on "Courage In The Workplace" (see below) and you're invited!

We've also held several other live (via TeleSeminar) events including IATF member-only "Meet & Greet" events, Group Coaching Calls and Leadership Skills TeleSeminars.  The next Leadership Skills TeleSeminar will be held this week Friday and the topic is "Questions Successful Teamwork Facilitators Ask" (sign up below).

Although we only started offering memberships at the IATF in early May we already have members from 23 countries and the people we're attracting are truly incredible.  We've spent the summer working hard to improve the IATF Members Only Area experience and we're about to get out of pre-launch and the price of membership will increase.  If you've thought about becoming a member of the IATF now is the time!  CLICK HERE to learn more about IATF membership.

Free TeleSeminars

Free Videos

View two short videos normally only viewable by IATF members.  Get a sense of what's going on behind the scenes in the IATF Members Only Area.  CLICK HERE

Free Audio Interview

Leadership Development News interviews IATF President & Founder Tom Heck.  We discuss key attributes of the Coach Leader.  CLICK HERE to access recording.

Free Teambuilding Game

Do you need to work on upgrading communication on your team?  Here's a great teambuilding game to help  you do just that.  CLICK HERE for more.

Free 10-week Leadership Development Course

When you join the IATF before September 4, 2009 you'll receive one free ticket to participate in the IATF's 10-week distance learning "Leader As Coach Fast Track Program" This highly successful program normally costs $800 but you get it for free if you join the IATF now.  Course starts on September 8, 2009.  CLICK  HERE for IATF Member Benefits.

Price Increase at the IATF

On September 4, 2009 the IATF officially launches and the price of membership will increase.  Join now to access immediate resources and save!  CLICK HERE for more information.

It's Tom Heck with your November 2008 edition of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators e-Newsletter.

My family is about to celebrate Thanksgiving.  This is one of my favorite holidays because it focuses on coming together as community / family and being thankful.  I'm thankful for so much in my life including you (my readers). 

I recently interviewed Seth Godin about his wonderful new book TRIBES (recording below) and that book asks a very powerful question:

"Are you doing something worth following?"

This question has inspired me to lead a series of interactive telephone conference calls on just this question.  If you want to be able to answer "YES, I do something worth following!" then this will be for you.  I'll lead these in early 2009 and will send details to you soon. 

When I work with teams and the people who lead them I always ask that people stretch and step outside their "Comfort Zone" because that's where all significant growth happens.  How can we expect those we serve to stretch unless we lead the way (that's what leaders do - - they lead!). In early December I'm going to step outside my own Comfort Zone in a big way by taking a 10-day silent meditation course.  I've never done anything like this before and I have my good friend John Miles at Integritive.com to thank for both introducing me to this opportunity and gently encouraging me to go.

New Teambuilding Games

• 9 Dots - -think outside the box
• Partner Tag - - works with small and large groups

Audio Leadership Training

• Seth Godin on Tribal Leadership - - one of the most important leadership books you'll ever read.
• 8 Lessons on Teamwork from the Hardcore - - professional firefighter and adventure racer Robyn Benincasa tells all.
• Famous Teamwork Coach & Author Gives Lessons - - her name is Cynder Niemela and she visited the IATF leadership development program not long ago to share her teambuilding wisdom.

Teamwork Theory

• Who Is Responsible For Your Training & Development?
• Should You Guarantee Your Teamwork Training Event?
  

Leadership Training for Managers

• Leader As Coach Fast Track Program - - next 4-week session starts on January 27, 2009
  

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 38,809 subscribers as of this newsletter.
• Members in 107 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.

I'm Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators with your July 2008 edition of the IATF Teamwork & Leadership Ideas e-Newsletter. Subscribe HERE for free.

In this issue I'm especially excited to share a new audio interview with John David Mann who co-authored a wonderful book entitled "The Go-Giver -- A Little Story About A Powerful Business Idea".  In this interview you'll hear John share his "Five Laws of Stratospheric Success" which are all based on the power of giving.  As you'll hear in this unique interview, the most successful people all share a common trait: they are excellent givers.  CLICK HERE to listen to the interview.

The number of subscribers to this teamwork ideas e-newsletter just passed 36,000 (from 103 countries!).  It is an honor to support the good work of so many people. 

One of the benefits of having so many subscribers is that I get to field questions from an amazingly diverse audience - - large (and famous) international organizations, small mom-and-pop businesses, non-profits, military, health care, education - - all of whom are looking for ways to build and motivate high performing teams. 

With so many great resources available at TeachMeTeamwork.com to help you build your high performing team, which one will provide the greatest Return On Investment (ROI)?

The answer is learning how to lead using a "coach approach". All the work I do with teams and the people who lead them is based on the new paradigm of Leader As Coach.

Jack Welch, the former Chairman and CEO of GE known for his innovative management strategies and leadership style, has said "People who are coaches will be the norm.  Other people won't get promoted."

Are you ready to learn how to lead using coaching skills?

Are you ready to take your career and your team to new levels and do it in a sustainable way? 

If yes, then check out the new IATF distance learning program: Leader As Coach Fast Track Program.  This intensive and highly interactive program is guaranteed to help you shift from an old command-and-control style of leadership to a new more dynamic model of leadership based on coaching skills.

Right now I'm leading a 7-week summer session of the Leader As Coach Fast Track Program with 50 managers from the US, Canada, UK, South Africa and the Virgin Islands.  We're in week 5 and program participants are finding the experience to be invaluable and are reporting amazing results (more on this later).

Enrollment is now open for the fall session of Leader As Coach Fast Track Program 

Here's to your health and happiness!

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach President & Founder
International Association of Teamwork Facilitators

New Teambuilding Games

• Minefield -- partner success
• Reach As High As You Can -- no prop activity
• Helium Stick -- are we all headed in the same direction?

New Audio Interview

• John David Mann -- Five Laws of Stratospheric Success for Teams -- lessons from the must-read book "The Go-Giver"

Free Teamwork Skills TeleSeminar

• Seven Edge Strategies For Modern Day Teams -- Wednesday July 23, 2008 and it's FREE.  All who attend receive a $37 gift.

New Leadership Book

• Edge:  A Leadership Story -- from executive coach Bea Fields

Teamwork Theory

• How To Talk About Teambuilding Games -- don't do it
• Is Your Team Happy? -- lessons from Harvard

Teamwork Humor

• Penguin Teamwork -- animated Disney-Pixar short film

Teambuilding Games CD Bundle SPECIAL OFFER

• Best-selling CD set from TeachMeTeamwork.com -- Purchase NOW to get $193 in FREE bonuses plus instant access to the TeachMeTeamwork.com online archive of teambuilding game write-ups

It's Tom Heck, President & Founder of the IATF (second person from the left dressed as an elf - click image to enlarge) with your December 2007 edition of the IATF Teamwork & Leadership Ideas e-Newsletter. 

What an amazing and delightful year this has been.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity to share strategies, tactics and tools that support your good work building and leading teams.

I launched TeachMeTeamwork.com five years ago because I had a great sense of urgency about sharing resources that would promote win-win team consciousness worldwide.  I continue to add new and free resources to the site including a new Master List of Teambuilding Games that will help you find the activity you need.

The project I'm most excited about is the new 7-week distance learning leadership development program called the Leader As Coach Fast Track Program.

The Leader As Coach Fast Track Program includes weekly live and interactive TeleSeminars, weekly Group Coaching, Guest Speakers from the world team and leadership development, access to an online Leadership Resource Library (audio recordings, printable articles, self and team assessments, etc.), and more!

On Thursday December 13 I'm leading a free live TeleSeminar on the  Leader As Coach Fast Track Program  where I'll share the 7 Qualities of a Coach Leader.

Over the past several weeks I've been talking with some amazing people and working out some truly wonderful collaborations that will ultimately benefit YOU.  As the first quarter of 2007 unfolds you'll begin seeing new opportunities at the IATF that are designed to support you and the good work you do.

Here's to your health and happiness!

Tom Heck
President & Founder
International Association of Teamwork Facilitators

New Teambuilding Games

• Rope Pile -- teach win-win
• Paper Tower -- two sheets of paper, scissors and a coin
• M and M Arm Wrestle -- no-prop teambuilding lesson
• Jump Rope Record -- very active goal setting activity
  
• Master List of Teambuilding Games -- making it easier to find the activity you need

New Audio Interview

• Kevin Eikenberry -- Author of "Remarkable Leadership - Unleashing Your Potential One Skill At A Time"
• Tom Heck -- Tom is interviewed by Dr. Relly Nadler, an Emotional Intelligence Leadership Expert, author and executive coach.

Must-Have Books

• Playing With A Full Deck -- My friend Michelle Cummings does it again!
• Create Light -- Anne Heck's first book of poetry

Teamwork Theory

• Language of the Leader -- 8 practical language principles for anyone who wants to play a bigger game.  PLUS a bonus music video of one of my favorite singer-songwriters.  :-)

Humorous

• The Heck Family as Dancing Elves -- video clip that makes me laugh

Hello!  I'm Tom Heck, President & Founder of the International Association of Teamwork Facilitators and here is your Fall 2007 edition of the IATF Teamwork & Leadership Ideas e-Newsletter.

Five years ago I was inspired to launch the IATF which represented my response to the events of 9-11.  That day helped me realize I needed to step up and play a bigger game.  At the time I was leading lots of workshops and 9-11 was the whack on the side of the head that caused me to look for ways to support the work of teamwork facilitators worldwide.

I had next to no experience using the internet to teach and disseminate ideas and when I launched the site I had two subscribers to my e-newsletter (my wife was the second subscriber).  My passion to make a big difference is what kept me going.  Now we have 31,579 subscribers from 103 countries.

This continues to be an amazing and delightful journey and one that's required a lot of growth on my part.

Though I love sharing strategies and tools for leading teambuilding games through the IATF, there is a secret truth that hovers in the background and that is - - what you ultimately teach is who you are.  There is no escaping this truth.  No matter how cool, new, or different the teambuilding strategy you're attempting to employ is, the underlying core message you're imparting on your group is who you are - - your values, beliefs and personal standards, your way of being in this world. 

For example, if you believe the world is a dangerous place filled with people who will "get you" if you slip up (i.e. victim mentality) then this is what the group will ultimately learn from you -- you'll end up perpetuating fear.  On the other hand, if you believe and operate from a place of love and abundance then this is the real lesson your groups will learn from you.

This means THE most important investment you'll ever make as a leader, trainer, facilitator, educator, coach is to "upgrade" who you are by investing in your own personal development on a consistent basis.  As you grow, so will your ability to touch the lives of the people you serve.  As you grow, so will the groups you serve.  There is a direct correlation.

If you acknowledge this truth and you want to profoundly help the people you serve, there is only one question I have for you...

What are you doing on a consistent basis to invest in your personal development?

I've got some exciting news to share on this subject...

We've recently developed the most comprehensive and affordable  leadership and personal development program ever devised for teamwork facilitators...

It's called the Leader As Coach Fast Track Program.  This is a 10-week distance learning program delivered live via telephone conference calls and the web.

New Teambuilding Games

• Tennis Ball Madness -- teach win-win
• Count Up -- no prop activity
• Bandanna Puzzle -- super portable

New Team Theory

• Language of the Leader -- lessons from a singer-songwriter
• Focus Groups -- top 10 mistakes

The Good Life

• Mountain Swimming Hole -- video clip

Humorous

• Creative Way to Open a Conference -- video clip
• Tractor Square Dancing Teamwork -- video clip

New Audio Interview

• You Don't Have To Be Fat To Get Good Grades

It's Tom Heck with your July 2, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

Here in the US we are about to celebrate Independence Day.  On July 4, 1776 the Second Continental Congress, declared that the Thirteen Colonies were independent of the Kingdom of Great Britain.  It wasn't until I read the phenomenal book entitled "1776" by David McCullough that I was able to grasp what this really meant.  You can read the book online for free at Google Books or find it at amazon.com or download it at audible.com (recommended). 

Reading 1776 was inspiring and it helped reinforce my desire to teach team skills.  The amazing men and women described in 1776 worked as a team to overcome incredible odds. 

My wish now is that all nations and all people can be free and live in peace.  My contribution to this is to teach team skills through my website, TeleSeminars, workshops, and products.  Freedom and peace are most easily achieved through teamwork.  To that end I am announcing a summer sale on my most popular training CDs.

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach
email me

Summer CD Sale!

Big savings on the best multimedia teambuilding games training CDs anywhere.

Individual CDs normally $39.99 now $29.99 for a limited time while supplies last. CLICK HERE

Get the famous 3-CD bundle for just $79 (was $99).  This is your best value. CLICK HERE

Discover how fun AND effective teambuilding games are at helping your group make the shift from good to great.

Who are these CDs for? Trainers, Facilitators, Coaches, Managers, Educators, Counselors, Recreation Therapists, Youth Workers

You need these CDs because they are:

PORTABLE -- Learn anytime, anywhere (Internet access not required).

THEME PACKAGED -- The themes help you locate just the right activity or series of activities.

USER FRIENDLY -- The navigation of these CDs has been professionally-designed with ease of use our number one priority.

CLICK HERE to learn more about each CD on sale now.

Each CD teaches through VIDEO clips, detailed activity descriptions, color photos, audio clips, and printable directions. In addition to detailed description of each activity, you'll find activity objectives, setup & preparation, rules,safety considerations, leadership & debriefing suggestions, variations of each activity and more.

>> Sale ends Friday July 27, 2007

And In Other Teambuilding News...

New Teambuilding Games

• Toobeez Snake - - Like the Spider's Web but you're passing rope
• Hidden Numbers - - Master Trainer Barry Rellaford uses this in trust workshops

Audio Training

• Barry Rellaford's mini training on "Trust Accounts"
• Jack Zufelt on why goal setting doesn't work
• Mark your calendar:  AMAZING surprise guest on July 12 at 2 pm EST FREE TeleSeminar.  The topic is "The Law of Attraction".  I'll announce more soon.

Program Design

• Two real life program designs I created and used

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 27,391 subscribers as of this newsletter.
• Members in 103 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.
• 155 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

CLICK HERE to learn about the Best Home Based Business taught to me by Jack Zufelt, the best selling author of "The DNA of Success".  Become financially free using what Jack has taught me.

It's Tom Heck with your June 18, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

One of the things I love most about my work is the opportunity to speak with wonderful people who are passionate about teaching team and leadership skills.  I recently became friends with such a person - - his name is Jack Zufelt and he wrote the best seller "The DNA of Success" and I convinced Jack to lead two training programs for FREE for the TeachMeTeamwork.com community on Tuesday! (see below)

And a bit of an accomplishment this week - - we just passed the 27,000 subscriber mark!  It's great knowing so many people (in 103 countries!) are interested in teaching team skills.  With so many people working to build teams I feel certain we can shift the consciousness of the planet to win-win. 

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach
email me

It's Tom Heck with your June 4, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

Lots to enjoy in this newsletter - - 4 new teambuilding games, an audio interview, a recorded training session, free coaching, and more!

The growth in the number of subscribers is fantastic.  640 people have subscribed since the last newsletter (May 15).  Welcome to all the new subscribers!

I'll be announcing a new series of TeleSeminars soon so keep an eye out for those.  If you have topics for the TeleSeminars please send me an email and I'll see what I can do.  [email protected]

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New Teambuilding Games

• Mr. Potato -- Teaching the connection between "product" and "process"
• Mrs. Wright -- What goes around comes around
• Trust Fall -- It's a classic for a reason
• Big Safe Island -- How well will the team use their "attributes"?

New Audio Interview 

Emotional Intelligence, Teams & Leadership - a primer from a PhD who trains on this subject weekly.  His name is Dr. Haydn Hasty and I've seen him in action as he masterfully leads workshops for managers and CEOs.  Dr. Hasty teaches people how to become exceptional leaders by understanding Emotional Intelligence.  Dr. Hasty uses experiential learning activities in all his work.  CLICK HERE to listen to the audio and learn from a master.

Mini (Recorded) Training Session on How To Talk About Trust

This is the first in a series of exclusive short audio training programs with Barry Rellaford.  Barry is a friend of mine who happens to be an expert trainer in the area of TRUST.  Barry travels nearly every week of the year teaching the principles found in the best selling leadership book entitled "The Speed of Trust" by Stephen M.R. Covey.  How do you start a conversation with your client about buildig trust when your client thinks trust is not the issue?  CLICK HERE to learn how in this free audio program.

Free Coaching Friday

It happens this week on Friday June 8, 2007 from 3 pm to 3:55 pm EST (New York time zone).  Call in with your teamwork and leadership questions and I'll do my best to answer them.  It's a conference line so depending on how many people show up you may or may not get a chance to ask your question.  My answers will be brief and "laser" like.  The phone number to call is:  218-486-1300 and when prompted enter the following "bridge number": 737837. This call will be recorded.  My normal coaching fee is $400/hour so come get the free version while you can.

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE

Other Posts of Interest

• My father, dead since 1980, speaks to me
• Mother's Day photos from atop a mountain
• Sailing adventure with my son

Use Your Teambuilding Skills to Become Financially Free

You already posses the number one skill needed to become financially free (you're a teambuilder!).  Now all you need is the right "vehicle".  CLICK HERE to learn more.

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

It's Tom Heck with your May 15, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

I'm all packed up and leaving on a 5-day adventure with my eight year old son.  We're going sailing on the coast of North Carolina.  This is going to be a special treat because my younger brother will be joining us (he lives in Colorado).  We'll be camping out and sailing our Hobie-cat and watching beautiful sunsets. 

I mention this trip because this is what life is all about:  being of service AND being with the ones I love.  Through my website TeachMeTeamwork.com I'm able to help people around the world and still have a life that allows me to enjoy time with my family and friends. 

We truly live in an abundant world full of opportunities.  One of the ways I remind myself of this truth is through the weekly podcast of Dr. Michael Beckwith of Agape. Listening to Michael puts a smile on my face.

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New Teambuilding Games

• Object Retrieval -- Rescue the stuffed animal
• A-Frame -- Make it walk with a rider
• Stepping Stones -- Across the river on little squares
• Baton Pass -- These guys make this look easy

New Audio Interview 

The Power of Connection -- An audio interview with best selling author Dr. Edward Hallowell.  Our culture and our teams are focused on achievement. But it's not our accomplishments that sustain us either individually or as a team. Listen to Dr. Hallowell share the secrets to what sustains us as individuals and as teams.  CLICK HERE to listen to the audio.

Recording of "Raise Your Team Standards" TeleSeminar

On May 3, 2007 I led a free TeleSeminar on how to raise your team standards.  150 people registered for the class and I recorded it.  If you missed the class you can now access the recording for free along with the class outline HERE.

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE

Other Posts of Interest

• Teams In Trouble LIVE in Boston -- A train the trainer event
• Guest Bloggers of TeachMeTeamwork.com -- Are you ready?

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 25,909 subscribers as of this newsletter.
• Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.
• 154 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

It's Tom Heck with your May 1, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

I recently watched a documentary I MUST tell you about.  It's entitled The Heart of the Game and was shot over the course of 6 years.  The film follows a college tax professor who has a side job coaching a high school girls basketball team in Seattle, WA.  This true story is almost too amazing.  A team of Hollywood writers couldn't have come up with a story as good as this.  If you work with teams you must watch this movie.  If you work with kids you must watch this movie. 

And while I'm on a roll with movies - - another must see film is "Freedom Writers" which is a Hollywood movie based on the true story of a truly wonderful high school teacher. 

In each of these movies you'll see people who hold themselves and their teams to very high standards.  Standards is what this week's TeleSeminar is all about (read more below).

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New FREE TeleSeminar: Raise Your Team Standards (Thursday!)

Standards refer to the behavior and actions to which you are willing to hold yourself accountable. Simply put, your standards are how you’ve chosen to behave.  A team can only produce quality goods and services in a sustainable way when team members have high personal Standards.  CLICK HERE to learn more and register for this FREE TeleSeminar for leaders, coaches, and managers.

New Free Teambuilding Games

• Air Lock -- The team moves as a unit
• Trust Wave -- A no prop activity
• Team Build A Word -- One of my favorites

New Free Audio Interview 

Open Space Technology Expert Michael Herman shares how you can use this amazing approach to tap into the genius of your team. CLICK HERE to access the audio.

SALE -- Receive $483 in FREE Products When You Order My 3-CD Multimedia Teambuilding Games Training Bundle

By far, the number one tool requested by teamwork coaches, facilitators, and trainers is lead-it-yourself teambuilding games.  And it’s no wonder!  Teambuilding games help people “get it."  Now, for a limited time, lots of free great products when you order my most requested 3-CD training bundle.  CLICK HERE for details

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE

Other Posts of Interest

• Join My Team -- Are you a fit for my team?
• Teams In Trouble LIVE in Boston -- A train the trainer event
• Guest Bloggers of TeachMeTeamwork.com -- Are you ready?
• Activities for Professional Speakers -- I'm a virtual guest speaker!

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 25,483 subscribers as of this newsletter.
• Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.
• 152 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

It's Tom Heck with your April 16, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com Teamwork Ideas e-Newsletter.

On Thursday this week I'm leading a TeleSeminar on "extending team boundaries" and I've had several people writing in asking questions about this topic.  One person who works in a public school understood how extending boundaries works in the for profit arena but wanted to know if it's possible to extend boundaries in a school setting.  The answer is a resounding YES and the results are amazing when the school community (teachers, administrators, support staff, students, parents, community members, etc.)  learn the value of extending one's boundaries.  It will literally transform the school.

Look for a post later this week where I'll be sharing an audio interview with a company president who extended boundaries organizationally and reaped the rewards.

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

SALE -- Receive $483 in FREE Products When You Order My 3-CD Multimedia Teambuilding Games Training Bundle

By far, the number one tool requested by teamwork coaches, facilitators, and trainers is lead-it-yourself teambuilding games.  And it’s no wonder!  Teambuilding games help people “get it."  Now, for a limited time, lots of free great products when you order my most requested 3-CD training bundle.  CLICK HERE for details

New TeleSeminar:  Extend Your Team Boundaries (on Thursday!)

Does your team have healthy boundaries?  When your team sets healthier boundaries you’ll see these benefits:  Trust increases, People respect you and your team more, Fear diminishes significantly, The team grows (evolves,advances) faster.  On the flip side - - Teams with weak boundaries experience a plethora of problems including... CLICK HERE to read more

New Teambuilding Games

• Toobeez Robot Writer -- Write on!
• Stilts River -- Get your team from here to there
• Channels -- Transport the marbles from here to there
• Trolleys with Duct Tape -- Teambuilding with duct tape
• The Maze -- Portable and very team oriented

New Audio Interview 

A fantastic new book is out by Chris Cavert, Sam Sikes, and Faith Evans entitled "The More The Merrier -- Lead Playful Activities With Large Groups".  I consider this book a MUST HAVE for anyone leading teambuilding games.  I discuss the book with master teambuilding games leader Chris Cavert.  CLICK HERE to access the audio.

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE

Other Posts of Interest

• Join My Team -- Are you a fit for my team?
• Teams In Trouble LIVE in Boston -- A train the trainer event
• Guest Bloggers of TeachMeTeamwork.com -- Are you ready?
• BYOBW -- A race I want to participate in next year.
• Throw out your TV -- So you want more time?
• Teamwork and Piano Playing -- Big hands required

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

25,159 subscribers as of this newsletter.  NOTE:  I've purged over 6,000 emails from my list in the past three months.  The emails were either being identified as spam OR the subscriber didn't click on the opt-in verification email that is sent immediately after subscribing.  Make sure you add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list and look for the opt-in verification email to avoid removal from the list.

Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.

152 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

It's Tom Heck with your April 2, 2007 edition of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter.

For the past three weeks I've been leading a Manager As Coach TeleSeminar series for a company based out of India.  This team I'm working with is spread out all across the US and several of the participants are calling in from India.  To get this group together for a live-and-in-person (in one location) training session would be difficult and expensive.  However, through the weekly TeleSeminar training format, participants get to learn in short 60 minute chunks and then have the chance to think about and apply what they're learning in between classes.  And I'm available to the team via email and phone all week.  We live in an amazing time!  Consider enrolling your team in my latest TeleSeminar on Integrity.

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New TeleSeminar:  Restore Your (Team) Integrity

I just Googled the phrase “integrity and teamwork” (with the quotes) and there were 22,600 pages found!  I find that amazing.  But maybe I shouldn’t. After all, individual and team integrity is crucial to experiencing long-term success. I'm leading a TeleSeminar on Thursday April 5 where I'll share how to restore your integrity (personally and as a team) and reap the benefits.  CLICK HERE for details

New Teambuilding Games

• Index Card Challenge -- Expand the possibilities
• Team Balance Board -- Experience balance as a team
• Partner Stand Up -- Starts in pairs and builds
• Ninja Clothespin Tag -- A "whacky" game
• Tangram Gas Leak -- An ancient puzzle gets a makeover
  

New Audio Interview

Dr. Laurence Martel is the author of "The 7 Secrets of Learning Revealed" and is a master trainer.  Dr. Martel passed away earlier this year however you can benefit from his amazing strategies through this interview.  CLICK HERE

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE

Join My Team

I'm building a team and I'm wondering if you are a fit for my team.  Do you enjoy helping others?  Are you a natural coach and teacher?  Do you love building strong teams?  Are you coachable and enjoy working on a team?  CLICK HERE to learn about this opportunity.

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

24,788 subscribers as of this newsletter.  NOTE:  I've purged over 6,000 emails from my list in the past three months.  The emails were either being identified as spam OR the subscriber didn't click on the opt-in verification email that is sent immediately after subscribing.  Make sure you add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list and look for the opt-in verification email to avoid removal from the list.

Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.

151 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

Hi!  It's Tom Heck with the latest issue of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter you subscribed to.

Since January 1, 2007 I've been adding LOTS of new content to TeachMeTeamwork.com including over 25 teambuilding games with video clips and detailed lead-it-yourself directions and 7 audio interviews with prominent people in the field of team and leadership development.

And some BIG NEWS - - There is a new "Members Only Area".  See the details below.

I've provided some links below to help you access all the new stuff quickly and easily.

Please forward this newsletter to your friends. 

I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email How can I best support your teambuilding efforts?

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

New Members Only Area -- Login Required

Some (not all) of the content at TeachMeTeamwork.com will require you to login to a new Members Only Area to access all the great resources.  Access to the Members Only Area is FREE and your login (Username and Password) will be sent to you via email VERY soon so be on the lookout for it.  Which reminds me, be sure to add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list or you may miss the email with your login.  Learn more about the Members Only Area HERE

7 Ways To Enlighten Your Team -- Recording Available

Is it our job as teamwork coaches to “enlighten” a team? My answer is an emphatic YES!  And on March 8th I led a live and interactive TeleSeminar where I outlined 7 specific ways for you to enlighten your team.  Best of all I recorded the call and posted it along with the class notes HERE and it's free!

New Teambuilding Games

I've added over 25 new teambuilding games since January 1.  And I'm adding lots more over the coming months.  When I'm done you'll find over 200 teambuilding games along with video clips and detailed lead-it-yourself directions.  Here are a few of the teambuilding games I've added recently:

• Big Question
• Ain't No Flies On Me
• Giant Egg Ladder
• Green Blue Black

New Audio Interviews

I've been adding lots of new audio interviews since January.  Download them today as an mp3 and listen on your computer or iPod.  CLICK HERE for the complete list.  New audio interviews added regularly.

New Teamwork T-Shirt

Are you looking for a way to communicate the benefits of teamwork in a fun and unique way? Take a look at our NEW t-shirt design.  These shirts are hot off the printing press and ready to ship.  CLICK HERE to see a photo of the t-shirt.

About Tom

I've updataed the "About Tom" link at my website.  Now you can see a photo of me getting my hair cut by my six year old son (it's not pretty).  Or perhaps you'd like to see a video clip of a Floating Arm Trebuchet I built.  CLICK HERE

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 24,307 subscribers as of this newsletter.  NOTE:  I've purged over 6,000 emails from my list recently.  The emails were either being identified as spam OR the subscriber didn't click on the opt-in verification email that is sent immediately after subscribing.  Make sure you add my email address ([email protected]) to your spam filter's white list and look for the opt-in verification email to avoid removal from the list.
• Members in 101 countries (that I know of).  CLICK HERE for a list of the countries.
• 151 affiliates worldwide.  CLICK HERE to learn more about the TeachMeTeamwork.com affiliate program (I send affiliates money).

Hi!  It's Tom Heck with the latest issue of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter you subscribed to.

I'm offering a new TeleSeminar next week entitled Working Solo With Large Groups

Imagine working with a large group all by yourself.

For me the first time my knees shook at the thought of working solo with a large group was when the number reached 30 people.  That may seem small for some but read on because it gets bigger.

This particular group 30 people was from an insurance company and I was the only facilitator for a day of teambuilding.  I don’t know why I said yes to this but I did.  I was absolutely stressed because prior to this, the largest group I had worked with solo was 15 people.

30 people seemed like a HUGE group.  And I did it!

I learned lots including new ways to plan and activities that worked and a few that didn’t.

And then one day I said yes to working solo with a group of 45 people.

Eventually I felt comfortable saying yes to working solo with a group of 150 people. Have you ever been face to face with a 150 pairs of eyes looking at you to deliver bang up results for whatever topic. Can you imagine doing so successfully as opposed to using "just think of them in their underwear" tricks?

The fact is it can be easy and incredibly powerful to lead the energy of a large group.

I now lead activities with entire rooms full of people.

Each time I was scared.  And most importantly, each time I stretched and learned. 

Do you work with large groups (or plan to)?  On Wednesday September 27, 2006 I’m going to share the three most important lessons I’ve learned about working with large groups.  Lessons I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t have to.  I’m also going to share 3 fun teambuilding games that work great with large groups, so you don't have to reinvent the wheel.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

And as always, there will be time for you to ask questions.

Here are the details:

Title of This Special TeleSeminar:
Working With Large Groups  - - Strategies and games for the solo leader

Time of the Call:
Wednesday September 27 at 1 pm Eastern (New York time zone)
Convert your time here:
http://www.worldtimeserver.com/time_converter.aspx

What You Get:

1. 55 minute LIVE TeleSeminar with experienced TeleSeminar leader and Teamwork Coach Tom Heck
2. Clear and detailed notes on how to lead the teambuilding games.
3. License to use the teambuilding games with the groups you directly serve.
4. Recording of the TeleSeminar in mp3 format.
5. Time with Tom during the Q&A session to get your questions answered. 

Registration Fee: $37

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

I look forward to seeing you on the call.

Tom Heck
Teamwork Coach

PS  Because this TeleSeminar will be recorded, you can benefit from this class even if you can’t participate in person.  After the call is over, all registrants will be sent access codes to the student only area for this class.  You can download the recording and class notes at your leisure.

PPS This "Working with Large Groups" TeleSeminar is just one of several topic specific teambuilding classes now open for registration.  Are you interested in:

• Five Dysfunctions of a Team -- Teambuilding Games That Bring This Must Read Material Alive
• Manager As Coach -- Learn the Number One Skill Needed to Build and Lead Successful Teams
• The Flakey Five -- Avoid Creating Another Flakey Teambuilding Event With These Five Principles
• Tolerations -- Stop The Energy Leaks So You And Your Team Can Be More Productive And Happier
• Experiential Breakthroughs In The Virtual Environment -- Four Activities To Advance Team Skills and Personal Development Using the Phone and Internet
• Unleash Your Ears -- Listening to Discern What's Really Going On with a Team

CLICK HERE to find out more about each of these TeleSeminars.

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 26,758 subscribers (as of this newsletter)
• Members in 101 countries.  See the list
• 139 Affiliates worldwide. Learn more

Hi!  It's Tom Heck with the latest issue of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter you subscribed to.

I've provided some links below to help you access all the new stuff quickly and easily.

Please forward this newsletter to your friends. 

I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email How can I best support your teambuilding efforts?

New Teambuilding Games Added
Check out the new format. Bigger videos. Downloadable directions. Login not required.

• Nail Balance
• Penny Goals
• Dice Racing

New Audio Interview:  John Taylor Gatto -- Teaching, Learning (and a dark secret?) 
I just interviewed one of my heros.  He's brilliant and (some might think) controversial.  CLICK HERE to listen to the recording.

Team Theory:  Venn Diagram of Creating an Effective Teambuilding Game
While leading a workshop at an International Coach Federation conference, I asked the participants to help me create this diagram which utilizes technology from the 1800's.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

New Collaboration Tool
It's called "Writely" and it's a free web based word processor.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

Live Coaching Recorded - - Listen In
I offered a "Free Coaching Friday" on August 18th and a nurse trainer called in for help on designing her teambuilding event for 120 people.  CLICK HERE to listen to our conversation.

Live (in person!) Workshop September 15
Here is a fantastic conference where you can learn from some of the best teambuilding games trainers in the country.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

Are You Playing Big?  Do You Want To?
Are you out to create positive change in the world on a massive scale?  If yes, then you need to know how to build a list of subscribers to your newsletter.  And if you're playing big then you've got to build a big list AND do it with absolute integrity.  Learn how in this recording.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Statistics for TeachMeTeamwork.com

• 26,143 subscribers (as of this newsletter)
• Members in 101 countries.  See the list
• 132 Affiliates worldwide. Learn more

Hi!  It's Tom Heck with the latest issue of the TeachMeTeamwork.com e-newsletter you subscribed to.

I've provided some links below to help you access all the new stuff quickly and easily.

Please forward this newsletter (this link) to your friends. 

I’d love to hear from you. Send me an email How can I best support your teambuilding efforts?

New Teambuilding Games Added
Check out the new format.  Bigger videos.  Login not required.

• Elastic Bulls Eye
• Hole Tarp
• Focus Ring

TeleSeminar: Teams In Trouble - Lies, Threats, and Accusations
You're leading a teambuilding workshop and half way through the day-long program two people get so mad (at the leader of the team) they are in tears.  Accusations and threats start flying and people stomp out.  What do you do next?  This is a true story and I'll share what I did that worked.  CLICK HERE to learn more.

Stephen M.R. Covey's office calls on Tom Heck
I got a call from Stephen M.R. Covey's office (that's the eldest son of Dr. Covey) asking me to fly out to Salt Lake City to help improve a workshop design.  CLICK HERE to read what happened.

Accused of Bragging and Being Annoying
I received an email from one of my newsletter subscribers accusing me of bragging and being annoying.  CLICK HERE to find out what happened next.

Front Page of Google
This just in!  When you Google the phrase "teambuilding game" you will now find TeachMeTeamwork.com on the FIRST page of Google's organic listings. What does this mean?  CLICK HERE to find out.

Free Coaching Friday
Call into the TeachMeTeamwork.com conference line this week Friday and ask a question of Tom Heck, Teamwork Coach.  Tom charges $300/hour for coaching but this Friday it's free.  CLICK HERE to learn more.   

Seeking Strategic Alliances
I love building strategic alliances with conscious people who are playing big.  Download the "alliance-ability" self test below.  If you score 18 or higher please contact me.
Download alliance_ability_checklist.pdf
For an example of a great strategic alliance check out the Teams In Trouble programs I've developed with Michael Goldman.

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