<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?>
<?xml-stylesheet href="https://rss.buzzsprout.com/styles.xsl" type="text/xsl"?>
<rss version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:podcast="https://podcastindex.org/namespace/1.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:psc="http://podlove.org/simple-chapters" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom">
<channel>
  <atom:link href="https://rss.buzzsprout.com/2603832.rss" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
  <atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" rel="hub" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" />
  <title>Build Better Teams: Team Building &amp; Strategic Planning for High-Performing Teams</title>

  <lastBuildDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 16:12:13 -0400</lastBuildDate>
  <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
  <language>en-us</language>
  <copyright>© 2026 Build Better Teams: Team Building &amp; Strategic Planning for High-Performing Teams</copyright>
  <podcast:locked>yes</podcast:locked>
    <podcast:guid>80c304b7-fe8a-5fc7-b1a7-fce13257db98</podcast:guid>
  <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Team Building Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
  <itunes:type>episodic</itunes:type>
  <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  <description><![CDATA[<p><b>Build Better Teams</b> is a team building podcast designed for HR leaders, executives, managers, and event planners who want to create stronger collaboration, clearer strategy, and more engaged teams.</p><p><br></p><p>If you are a team manager, organizational development professional, or leader responsible for leadership retreats, team building workshops, workplace culture engagement, or strategic planning sessions, this is the podcast for you.</p><p><br></p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, a strategic leadership and team facilitator certified in LEGO® Serious Play®, this team building podcast explores innovative, hands-on, practical approaches to team building, strategic planning, and creating innovation through play in modern workplaces.</p><p><br></p><p>Each episode shares insights, tools, and real-world facilitation strategies that help organizations align their teams, improve communication, and build employee engagement.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Episodes explore topics like:</b></p><p>• Corporate team building strategies that strengthen communication and trust<br>• The LEGO® Serious Play® methodology and hands-on facilitation techniques<br>• Strategic planning methods for leadership retreats, offsites, and team building workshops<br>• Employee engagement and workplace culture improvements<br>• Innovation workshops and creative problem-solving techniques</p><p><br></p><p>You’ll also discover how hands-on facilitation approaches like LEGO® Serious Play® help leadership teams think differently, solve complex challenges, and build alignment without relying on endless slide decks or technology overload.</p><p><br></p><p>If you’re searching for team building workshop ideas, leadership training strategies, strategic planning tools, or creative facilitation techniques for your organization, this podcast delivers actionable insights you can apply immediately.</p><p><br></p><p>Whether you lead a small business, nonprofit organization, corporate department, or executive leadership team, <b>Build Better Teams</b> will help you create clarity, strengthen culture, and improve team performance.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Subscribe and start building better teams.</b></p><p><br></p><p>*Planning a leadership retreat, team building workshop, or strategic planning session for your organization?</p><p><br>Learn more about Shannon’s workshops and facilitation services at https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com.</p>]]></description>
  <generator>Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com)</generator>
  <itunes:keywords>LEGO serious play, team building podcast, workplace culture, team building, team building workshops, leadership development, employee engagement, workplace culture, employee engagement, strategic planning, team engagement</itunes:keywords>
  <itunes:owner>
    <itunes:name>Shannon Russell | Strategic Team Building Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:name>
  </itunes:owner>
  <image>
     <url>https://storage.buzzsprout.com/55awldar8edqi6zfw8tc43u4qhze?.jpg</url>
     <title>Build Better Teams: Team Building &amp; Strategic Planning for High-Performing Teams</title>
     <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
  </image>
  <itunes:image href="https://storage.buzzsprout.com/55awldar8edqi6zfw8tc43u4qhze?.jpg" />
  <itunes:category text="Business">
    <itunes:category text="Management" />
  </itunes:category>
  <itunes:category text="Business">
    <itunes:category text="Careers" />
  </itunes:category>
  <itunes:category text="Education">
    <itunes:category text="How To" />
  </itunes:category>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Stop Wasting Money on Offsites: How to Plan a Team Building Workshop That Drives Results | #5</itunes:title>
    <title>Stop Wasting Money on Offsites: How to Plan a Team Building Workshop That Drives Results | #5</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Are you planning a team offsite or leadership retreat? Before you book the venue or plan the activities, ask yourself this one question...what do you want to change after the event?  In this episode of Build Better Teams, we break down how to design a team building workshop offsite that goes beyond a “fun day” and actually improves team engagement, workplace culture, and team alignment. Because the best offsites are not about the location, the food, or the agenda. They are about the outc...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Are you planning a team offsite or leadership retreat? Before you book the venue or plan the activities, ask yourself this one question...what do you want to change after the event? </p><p>In this <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast'>episode </a>of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down how to design a team building workshop offsite that goes beyond a “fun day” and actually improves team engagement, workplace culture, and team alignment.</p><p>Because the best offsites are not about the location, the food, or the agenda. They are about the outcomes for your team.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode walks you through how to plan an offsite that drives meaningful results using hands-on experiences, innovation through play, and intentional team building strategies.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most team offsites fail to create lasting change </li><li> How to define a clear goal for your team building workshop or retreat </li><li> How to structure your offsite with focus time, collaboration time, and reflection </li><li> Why hands-on, participatory experiences lead to better team engagement </li><li> How to create space for real conversations and stronger team collaboration </li><li> The importance of capturing decisions, assigning ownership, and follow-through </li><li> How to design an offsite that strengthens workplace culture and drives action </li></ul><p>You’ll also learn how approaches like <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and experiential team building workshops help teams communicate more effectively, think differently, and build alignment faster.</p><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or event planner responsible for organizing a team building workshop, leadership offsite, or employee engagement experience, this episode will give you a clear framework to make it impactful.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Are you planning a team offsite or leadership retreat? Before you book the venue or plan the activities, ask yourself this one question...what do you want to change after the event? </p><p>In this <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast'>episode </a>of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down how to design a team building workshop offsite that goes beyond a “fun day” and actually improves team engagement, workplace culture, and team alignment.</p><p>Because the best offsites are not about the location, the food, or the agenda. They are about the outcomes for your team.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode walks you through how to plan an offsite that drives meaningful results using hands-on experiences, innovation through play, and intentional team building strategies.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most team offsites fail to create lasting change </li><li> How to define a clear goal for your team building workshop or retreat </li><li> How to structure your offsite with focus time, collaboration time, and reflection </li><li> Why hands-on, participatory experiences lead to better team engagement </li><li> How to create space for real conversations and stronger team collaboration </li><li> The importance of capturing decisions, assigning ownership, and follow-through </li><li> How to design an offsite that strengthens workplace culture and drives action </li></ul><p>You’ll also learn how approaches like <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and experiential team building workshops help teams communicate more effectively, think differently, and build alignment faster.</p><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or event planner responsible for organizing a team building workshop, leadership offsite, or employee engagement experience, this episode will give you a clear framework to make it impactful.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18975490-stop-wasting-money-on-offsites-how-to-plan-a-team-building-workshop-that-drives-results-5.mp3" length="6765235" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18975490</guid>
    <pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18975490/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>561</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>build better teams, Shannon Russell, LEGO Serious Play, team building workshop, team building workshops, team offsite, leadership offsite, leadership retreat ideas, employee engagement, team engagement, workplace culture, workplace culture improvement, te</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>5</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>How LEGO® Serious Play® Team Building Workshops Improve Team Collaboration and Employee Engagement | #4</itunes:title>
    <title>How LEGO® Serious Play® Team Building Workshops Improve Team Collaboration and Employee Engagement | #4</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com.   In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven workplace, teams are more connected than ever. But are they truly collaborating? In this episode #4 of Build Better Teams, we explore the “analog advantage” and why stepping away from screens to participate in workshops like LEGO® Serious Play®, can dramatically improve team collaboration, employee engagement, and strategic thinking.  Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership an...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p><br/></p><p>In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven workplace, teams are more connected than ever. But are they truly collaborating?</p><p>In this <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast'>episode #4</a> of <b><em>Build Better Teams</em></b>, we explore the “analog advantage” and why stepping away from screens to participate in workshops like LEGO® Serious Play®, can dramatically improve team collaboration, employee engagement, and strategic thinking. </p><p>Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in LEGO® Serious Play®, shares how hands-on team building workshops help employees slow down and think. When teams “think with their hands&quot; by building ideas with LEGO bricks, ideas become clearer, conversations become more meaningful, and solutions become actionable.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why digital meetings often lead to surface-level thinking </li><li> How team building workshops improve communication and collaboration </li><li> The power of LEGO® Serious Play® in unlocking creativity and problem-solving </li><li> How hands-on experiences increase employee engagement and participation </li><li> Why your team’s competitive advantage is not speed, but depth and human connection </li></ul><p>If your team feels stuck, disconnected, or caught in endless meetings, this episode will show you a better way forward. </p><p>Because strong teams don’t just work harder. They think better. And sometimes that starts by thinking with your hands.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p><br/></p><p>In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven workplace, teams are more connected than ever. But are they truly collaborating?</p><p>In this <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast'>episode #4</a> of <b><em>Build Better Teams</em></b>, we explore the “analog advantage” and why stepping away from screens to participate in workshops like LEGO® Serious Play®, can dramatically improve team collaboration, employee engagement, and strategic thinking. </p><p>Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in LEGO® Serious Play®, shares how hands-on team building workshops help employees slow down and think. When teams “think with their hands&quot; by building ideas with LEGO bricks, ideas become clearer, conversations become more meaningful, and solutions become actionable.</p><p>You’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why digital meetings often lead to surface-level thinking </li><li> How team building workshops improve communication and collaboration </li><li> The power of LEGO® Serious Play® in unlocking creativity and problem-solving </li><li> How hands-on experiences increase employee engagement and participation </li><li> Why your team’s competitive advantage is not speed, but depth and human connection </li></ul><p>If your team feels stuck, disconnected, or caught in endless meetings, this episode will show you a better way forward. </p><p>Because strong teams don’t just work harder. They think better. And sometimes that starts by thinking with your hands.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18946612-how-lego-serious-play-team-building-workshops-improve-team-collaboration-and-employee-engagement-4.mp3" length="8811270" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18946612</guid>
    <pubDate>Mon, 06 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18946612/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>731</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>team building workshops, team collaboration, lego serious play, employee engagement, leadership development, workplace culture, team building activities, strategic planning workshops, employee engagement ideas, team communication, hands-on learning, leade</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>4</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Strategic Planning That Actually Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for Leaders | #3</itunes:title>
    <title>Strategic Planning That Actually Works: A Step-by-Step Guide for Leaders | #3</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[In this episode of Build Better Teams, we break down how to run a strategic planning session that actually leads to clear decisions, team alignment, and real results. Most strategic planning workshops fails for one simple reason. Too much discussion, not enough decision. Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode walks you through a step-by-step process to design and lead more effective strategic planning...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down how to run a strategic planning session that actually leads to clear decisions, team alignment, and real results.</p><p>Most strategic planning workshops fails for one simple reason. Too much discussion, not enough decision.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode walks you through a step-by-step process to design and lead more effective strategic planning workshops, leadership offsites, and team strategy sessions.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most strategic planning meetings fail to create momentum </li><li> How to define clear outcomes before your session begins </li><li> How to choose the right people for your planning process </li><li> How to structure a strategic planning session for clarity and focus </li><li> How to turn ideas into decisions and assign ownership </li><li> Why follow-through and accountability are critical to success </li><li> How to create team alignment and execution after the session ends </li></ul><p>You’ll also learn how to move beyond endless conversations and start building a strategy your team can actually execute.</p><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or responsible for strategic planning, team alignment, or leadership development inside your organization, this episode will give you a practical framework you can use immediately.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In this episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down how to run a strategic planning session that actually leads to clear decisions, team alignment, and real results.</p><p>Most strategic planning workshops fails for one simple reason. Too much discussion, not enough decision.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode walks you through a step-by-step process to design and lead more effective strategic planning workshops, leadership offsites, and team strategy sessions.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most strategic planning meetings fail to create momentum </li><li> How to define clear outcomes before your session begins </li><li> How to choose the right people for your planning process </li><li> How to structure a strategic planning session for clarity and focus </li><li> How to turn ideas into decisions and assign ownership </li><li> Why follow-through and accountability are critical to success </li><li> How to create team alignment and execution after the session ends </li></ul><p>You’ll also learn how to move beyond endless conversations and start building a strategy your team can actually execute.</p><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or responsible for strategic planning, team alignment, or leadership development inside your organization, this episode will give you a practical framework you can use immediately.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18900928-strategic-planning-that-actually-works-a-step-by-step-guide-for-leaders-3.mp3" length="8285524" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18900928</guid>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18900928/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>687</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>strategic planning, strategic planning session, strategic planning workshop, strategic planning facilitator, leadership offsites, leadership retreat planning, team alignment, team strategy, business strategy, leadership development, leadership skills, man</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>3</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>How to Plan a Team Building Workshop That Drives Real Results | #2</itunes:title>
    <title>How to Plan a Team Building Workshop That Drives Real Results | #2</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Why do many team building workshop ideas often fail? And which ones actually work when it comes to team alignment and employee engagement?   In this episode of Build Better Teams, we break down why most team building activities fail to create real change, and what leaders, HR professionals, and organizations should be doing instead. Because team building should do more than check a box. It should improve team alignment, communication, and employee engagement in a meaningful, lasting way....]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Why do many team building workshop ideas often fail? And which ones actually work when it comes to team alignment and employee engagement?  </p><p>In this episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down why most team building activities fail to create real change, and what leaders, HR professionals, and organizations should be doing instead.</p><p>Because team building should do more than check a box. It should improve team alignment, communication, and employee engagement in a meaningful, lasting way.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode dives into the biggest mistakes organizations make when planning team building workshops, leadership retreats, and employee engagement initiatives.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most team building activities don’t lead to lasting results </li><li> The 4 biggest mistakes leaders make when planning team building workshops </li><li> How to create team building experiences that actually improve collaboration and communication </li><li> Why tying activities to real business challenges is critical </li><li> How to ensure full participation and engagement across your team </li><li> The power of hands-on, experiential methods like LEGO® Serious Play® </li></ul><p>You’ll also hear real examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how to design team building workshops and leadership offsites that create clarity, alignment, and action.</p><p>If you are responsible for planning a team building workshop, leadership retreat, or improving employee engagement inside your organization, this episode will give you a smarter, more strategic approach.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a></p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Why do many team building workshop ideas often fail? And which ones actually work when it comes to team alignment and employee engagement?  </p><p>In this episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down why most team building activities fail to create real change, and what leaders, HR professionals, and organizations should be doing instead.</p><p>Because team building should do more than check a box. It should improve team alignment, communication, and employee engagement in a meaningful, lasting way.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode dives into the biggest mistakes organizations make when planning team building workshops, leadership retreats, and employee engagement initiatives.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most team building activities don’t lead to lasting results </li><li> The 4 biggest mistakes leaders make when planning team building workshops </li><li> How to create team building experiences that actually improve collaboration and communication </li><li> Why tying activities to real business challenges is critical </li><li> How to ensure full participation and engagement across your team </li><li> The power of hands-on, experiential methods like LEGO® Serious Play® </li></ul><p>You’ll also hear real examples of what works, what doesn’t, and how to design team building workshops and leadership offsites that create clarity, alignment, and action.</p><p>If you are responsible for planning a team building workshop, leadership retreat, or improving employee engagement inside your organization, this episode will give you a smarter, more strategic approach.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a></p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18900925-how-to-plan-a-team-building-workshop-that-drives-real-results-2.mp3" length="11944316" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18900925</guid>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18900925/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>992</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>team building activities, team building workshops, team building ideas, leadership retreat ideas, leadership offsites, employee engagement, employee engagement ideas, team alignment, team collaboration, team communication, workplace culture, workplace cul</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>2</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Why Teams Struggle with Alignment (And How to Fix It with Better Leadership and Strategic Planning) | #1</itunes:title>
    <title>Why Teams Struggle with Alignment (And How to Fix It with Better Leadership and Strategic Planning) | #1</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Have you ever left a meeting wondering what was actually accomplished? Or walked away from a leadership retreat with great ideas but no real clarity or next steps? In this first episode of Build Better Teams, we break down why so many teams struggle with alignment, communication, and execution, even when they have talented people and strong ideas. Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode introduces a ne...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever left a meeting wondering what was actually accomplished?</p><p>Or walked away from a leadership retreat with great ideas but no real clarity or next steps?</p><p>In this first episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down why so many teams struggle with alignment, communication, and execution, even when they have talented people and strong ideas.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode introduces a new way of thinking about team building, team alignment, leadership development, and strategic planning.</p><p>Drawing from experience leading teams in high-pressure environments and building businesses from the ground up, Shannon shares what actually makes teams successful and why traditional meetings and leadership approaches often fall short.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most teams struggle with alignment and communication </li><li> The real reason meetings and leadership retreats fail to drive results </li><li> How strong leadership and clear strategy create high-performing teams </li><li> What makes team building actually effective beyond surface-level activities </li><li> How hands-on methods like LEGO® Serious Play® improve collaboration and problem solving </li></ul><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or responsible for team building, leadership development, or strategic planning inside your organization, this podcast will give you practical tools to create stronger, more aligned, and more engaged teams.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever left a meeting wondering what was actually accomplished?</p><p>Or walked away from a leadership retreat with great ideas but no real clarity or next steps?</p><p>In this first episode of <b>Build Better Teams</b>, we break down why so many teams struggle with alignment, communication, and execution, even when they have talented people and strong ideas.</p><p>Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this episode introduces a new way of thinking about team building, team alignment, leadership development, and strategic planning.</p><p>Drawing from experience leading teams in high-pressure environments and building businesses from the ground up, Shannon shares what actually makes teams successful and why traditional meetings and leadership approaches often fall short.</p><p>In this episode, you’ll learn:</p><ul><li> Why most teams struggle with alignment and communication </li><li> The real reason meetings and leadership retreats fail to drive results </li><li> How strong leadership and clear strategy create high-performing teams </li><li> What makes team building actually effective beyond surface-level activities </li><li> How hands-on methods like LEGO® Serious Play® improve collaboration and problem solving </li></ul><p>If you are a leader, HR professional, or responsible for team building, leadership development, or strategic planning inside your organization, this podcast will give you practical tools to create stronger, more aligned, and more engaged teams.</p><p>Because strong teams don’t happen by accident. They are designed.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call: <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18900924-why-teams-struggle-with-alignment-and-how-to-fix-it-with-better-leadership-and-strategic-planning-1.mp3" length="5990668" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteams.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18900924</guid>
    <pubDate>Mon, 30 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18900924/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>496</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>team building, team building workshops, leadership development, strategic planning, team alignment, team collaboration, team communication, employee engagement, workplace culture, high performing teams, leadership skills, management skills, strategic plan</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episode>1</itunes:episode>
    <itunes:episodeType>full</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
  <item>
    <itunes:title>Build Better Teams Trailer: Team Building, Leadership Development and Strategic Planning That Actually Works</itunes:title>
    <title>Build Better Teams Trailer: Team Building, Leadership Development and Strategic Planning That Actually Works</title>
    <itunes:summary><![CDATA[Welcome to Build Better Teams, the podcast for leaders, HR professionals, and organizations who want stronger collaboration, clearer strategy, and more engaged teams. Hosted by Shannon Russell, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the LEGO® Serious Play® methodology, this podcast delivers practical, real-world strategies for hands-on team building, leadership development, and strategic planning that actually drive results and brings your team closer to its goals. If you are ...]]></itunes:summary>
    <description><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to <b>Build Better Teams</b>, the podcast for leaders, HR professionals, and organizations who want stronger collaboration, clearer strategy, and more engaged teams.</p><p>Hosted by <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>Shannon Russell</a>, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the <b>LEGO® Serious Play® </b>methodology, this podcast delivers practical, real-world strategies for hands-on team building, leadership development, and strategic planning that actually drive results and brings your team closer to its goals.</p><p>If you are responsible for leading a team, planning a leadership retreat, or improving workplace culture, this show is for you.</p><p>Each episode explores how to:</p><ul><li> Run effective team building sessions that improve communication and trust </li><li> Lead strategic planning meetings that result in clear decisions and action </li><li> Increase employee engagement without adding more meetings </li><li> Build aligned, high-performing teams in a digital and AI-driven workplace </li><li> Use hands-on, creative methods like<b> LEGO® Serious Play® </b>to unlock better thinking and collaboration </li></ul><p>In a world overloaded with technology and endless meetings, <b>Build Better Teams</b> brings a fresh, practical approach to adding creativity, communication, and fun to your next team workshop or retreat. </p><p>If you are ready to strengthen your team, improve leadership effectiveness, and create alignment inside your organization, you are in the right place.</p><p>Subscribe now and start building better teams.</p><p>Learn more at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'><b>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</b></a><b>.</b></p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></description>
    <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Welcome to <b>Build Better Teams</b>, the podcast for leaders, HR professionals, and organizations who want stronger collaboration, clearer strategy, and more engaged teams.</p><p>Hosted by <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'>Shannon Russell</a>, Strategic Leadership and Team Facilitator certified in the <b>LEGO® Serious Play® </b>methodology, this podcast delivers practical, real-world strategies for hands-on team building, leadership development, and strategic planning that actually drive results and brings your team closer to its goals.</p><p>If you are responsible for leading a team, planning a leadership retreat, or improving workplace culture, this show is for you.</p><p>Each episode explores how to:</p><ul><li> Run effective team building sessions that improve communication and trust </li><li> Lead strategic planning meetings that result in clear decisions and action </li><li> Increase employee engagement without adding more meetings </li><li> Build aligned, high-performing teams in a digital and AI-driven workplace </li><li> Use hands-on, creative methods like<b> LEGO® Serious Play® </b>to unlock better thinking and collaboration </li></ul><p>In a world overloaded with technology and endless meetings, <b>Build Better Teams</b> brings a fresh, practical approach to adding creativity, communication, and fun to your next team workshop or retreat. </p><p>If you are ready to strengthen your team, improve leadership effectiveness, and create alignment inside your organization, you are in the right place.</p><p>Subscribe now and start building better teams.</p><p>Learn more at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com'><b>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</b></a><b>.</b></p><p>Through hands-on team building workshops and strategic planning sessions using <b>LEGO® Serious Play®</b> and other facilitation techniques, I help teams think differently so they can work better together.</p><p>🔗 Learn more or book a strategy call with me at <a href='https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/'>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com</a>.</p><p>Remember, the best ideas don’t just get discussed, they get built!</p>]]></content:encoded>
    <enclosure url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/episodes/18899508-build-better-teams-trailer-team-building-leadership-development-and-strategic-planning-that-actually-works.mp3" length="1319669" type="audio/mpeg" />
    <link>https://buildbetterteamsconsulting.com/podcast</link>
    <itunes:author>Shannon Russell | Strategic Leadership &amp; Team Facilitator Certified in LEGO® Serious Play®</itunes:author>
    <guid isPermaLink="false">Buzzsprout-18899508</guid>
    <pubDate>Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
    <podcast:transcript url="https://www.buzzsprout.com/2603832/18899508/transcript" type="text/html" />
    <itunes:duration>107</itunes:duration>
    <itunes:keywords>team building strategies, leadership development, strategic planning, build better teams, LEGO serious play, hands on learning, creative problem solving, experiential learning, interactive workshops, think with your hands, analog thinking, innovation thro</itunes:keywords>
    <itunes:season>1</itunes:season>
    <itunes:episodeType>trailer</itunes:episodeType>
    <itunes:explicit>false</itunes:explicit>
  </item>
</channel>
</rss>
