As we finally reach the end of a challenging year, some words seem to be on everyone’s lips in our beautiful state: Reset and support Victoria.
Normally, heading out of the CBD brings on a good feeling of great release. As we come out of 9 months of off and on lockdown, heading out into nature may just be what the doctor ordered for you and your team or your board! And local operators welcome our visit!
In fact, one client is organising a retreat in Gippsland, choosing this option simply because they want to support Victoria and its struggling economy. That is a win-win-win!
In celebrating both this ‘release’ and the excitement of getting the crews together, I am enjoying a couple of options which I’d like to share with you. By experience, I know that they will have your team or board wagging tongues for long to come. Getting everyone enthusiastic again and building an exciting “new normal” with a memorable experience has enduring benefits for all.
A Houseboat On Our Great Murray River
One very innovative team recently decided to push their “cultural reset” button in a different way that would mark a turning point.
This ‘Working & Leading Together’ program combined with strategic planning for an agricultural business was the welcome kick-off required. Re-energised, team members have now returned to their workplace enthusiastic about the business’ new direction.
The good news – no one was thrown overboard!
Once a smart beachfront was found, the boat was parked for 3 days allowing vital discussion around business culture and planning.
The nightly campfire offered some powerful open and honest discussions that can sometimes take months to surface in the workplace; in particular it brought new insights into perceptions of how people see each other. And in a simple natural setting like this one, it is easy to focus on what really matters and to think outside the old box. That “freedom” makes a reset “natural”.
Setting the right thinking and learning environment is important.
This experience reminded me of another powerful learning environment that many of my clients are still reflecting on. An environment and process that became a turning point:
Cape Liptrap – A Secret Gem Of The Victorian Coast
This is a best kept secret. When you want to stretch the minds of your team or board. “Beekeepers” is one of my favourite venues.
With the help of an ‘off the grid’ stunning private residence overlooking Bass Strait, with no signs of other life, one feels far from the office and its distractions.
This is where, over the past 5 years, Bridgeworks has continued to run culture and planning sessions. The busyness of business seems to be lost in the ocean’s winds!
The experience is definitely memorable. And, backed up by Bridgeworks 20 years’ experience working with some of the toughest teams in the toughest industries, it puts your crew in excellent hands.
Nature – the great healer
Nature is proven to be a great healer. Working at Outward Bound back in the 1980’s highlighted to me the significant change to people’s behaviour, outlook and attitude that emerges when being isolated from normal day to day.
That is why the Bridgeworks process usually combines 50% outdoor experience into the learning environment. Nature has a way to calm and help people see though often clogged minds.
2021: Back To Same Old OR Reset? & Support Victoria
Is your team ready to be unclog some of the internal conflict holding it back? Is it ready to start innovating and injecting some enthusiasm and optimism for the future?
The past 12 months have shown how we are capable of doing things differently, often way beyond our expectations. We can all take this opportunity to reset our course rather than fall back into self-limiting team behaviours.
When was the last time that your team or board took time out to review effectiveness, collaboration and team health? There is no better time than now. And it is a great way to support Victoria.
If so, let’s put a roadmap together!
Leave a Reply