It happened again last week. An exhilarating, fulfilling, exciting day as facilitator of an effective work group.

That’s twice this month I’ve been able to help an already highly functional team hone their interdependence, communication, and appreciation.

And it wasn’t only work. Between these two teams, I have eaten lobster, lost at putt-putt golf, driven in the Indy 500 via video, and bowled.

No, these aren’t the rewards some companies offer top earners–trips to the Caribbean, concerts in Times Square–but they’re fun, and they strengthen. team. Believe it or not, in each group at least one person had never bowled, or played putt-putt. Yet, cheered on by teammates, each one was blessed with beginner’s luck and had a wonderful time.

As I left, I chatted with the manager of another department about her tennis game. She told me that she’s working with a new coach. “But you already play so well,” I said. “And I know you practice almost every day.”

“Oh, I do pretty well,” she said.

Then she asked me about my day. After I described it (in glowing terms), she said, “I wish my team had the time and budget to blow a day playing. We don’t even have time to talk to one another.”

I couldn’t help wondering if her department was stuck.

When was the last time your team had a day away from work, or a chance to spend an hour playing a game together?

Is your team stuck?