Tired of team-building exercises that don’t stick? Add lasting value by using leadership assessments to build self-awareness, trust, and collaboration across teams.

Why Team Building Should Be More Than Problem-Solving Exercises

Traditional team-building activities often focus on surface-level exercises designed to promote camaraderie or improve collaboration in the moment. While these approaches may offer short-term benefits, they rarely produce meaningful or lasting change. To build stronger, more effective teams, it is essential to go beyond generic problem-solving tasks and create space for deeper self-awareness, trust, and alignment. 

Why Use Assessments?

By offering structured insights into individual strengths and growth areas, leadership assessments can spark valuable reflection, enhance mutual understanding, and strengthen group dynamics. When integrated into a facilitated session, assessment results encourage authentic conversations and support the development of shared goals and norms. This approach transforms team-building initiatives into a strategic investment that delivers lasting impact across teams and organizations.

What Is the Leadership Skills Profile® – Revised® (LSP-R®)?

One way to build stronger teams is to incorporate leadership assessments that provide structure and depth. The Leadership Skills Profile – Revised (LSP-R) is a scientifically validated, personality-based assessment that evaluates 50 leadership competencies proven to predict performance across roles and industries. The LSP-R generates individualized reports that highlight key strengths and development opportunities, laying the groundwork for impactful conversations and targeted growth.

Using Leadership Assessments to Strengthen Teams and Support Growth

The following five steps outline how to effectively use leadership assessments to facilitate a development-focused experience that promotes insight, collaboration, and ongoing growth.

Step 1: Communicate the Process and Purpose

Establish clarity and alignment by outlining the goals, format, and expectations of the team-building initiative. Clearly communicate the purpose of the leadership assessment, emphasizing its role in fostering leadership development and strengthening team dynamics. Reinforce that the process is developmental — not evaluative — and ensure participants are aware of timelines, confidentiality measures, and how the results will be used.

Step 2: Administer the Assessment

Distribute the assessment to all participants in advance of the session, allowing time for completion and initial reflection. As strong leadership assessments evaluates leadership competencies and generates personalized reports that identify individual strengths and development opportunities. Ensure technical support is available and monitor completion rates to maintain engagement and schedule integrity.

Step 3: Prepare for the Team-Building Session

Lay the foundation for an engaging and productive session by preparing all materials, communications, and logistics in advance. Finalize the session agenda, update presentation slides, and print or distribute any participant handouts, such as worksheets and individual reports. Share assessment reports with participants 2-3 days prior to the session to encourage reflection ahead of time.

Step 4: Facilitate the Team-Building Session

Guide participants through a structured and interactive session that encourages open dialogue, peer feedback, and actionable planning. Use small-group exercises to explore leadership strengths and development areas related to team priorities, and create space for participants to share insights and build mutual understanding. Conclude the session with clear next steps for teams and individual development commitments.

Step 5: Provide Follow-Up Resources

Extend the impact of the session through practical follow-up. Share a recap of key takeaways, distribute development resources, such as SIGMA’s Leadership Series, and schedule structured touchpoints — such as monthly team-building check-ins. Encourage managers to continue the conversation through regular one-on-one check-ins focused on progress and support.

Final Thoughts: Team Building Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

Effective team building requires more than one-off activities or generic group exercises. To create lasting cohesion and engagement, sessions must be grounded in insight and aligned with broader development goals. The LSP-R is a scientifically-validated tool that brings structure, relevance, and impact to team-building initiatives. With SIGMA’s proven process, organizations can deliver a high-value experience that supports leadership development and strengthens team dynamics.