I facilitated a team building session for at a staff retreat for an awesome organization on Wednesday – Challenger Independent Living Inc. I’m writing this blog to give a shout out to “The Winners”. You’re wondering who “The Winners” aren’t you? I used various methods to divide staff into groups and various activities to allow them to get better acquainted, exercise their communication and problem solving skills, and just have fun. During each activity I asked the groups to choose a name for themselves. The group calling themselves “The Winners” won 3 of the 5 games they competed in as a team. When the group leader from “The Winners” became group leader for another team, the new team did not do well. We processed the activity and uncovered trust issues, ineffective communication, and forced togetherness.
Here are the big takeaways:
- Winners “win” because they believe they are winners
- It’s not what other people call you but what you call yourself that matters most
- We all thrive in environments where we are welcomed, trusted, supported, and understood
- The discomfort the staff encountered when I abruptly dismantled their teams pales in comparison to what kids in foster care experience when they are taken from their homes and shuffled from place to place.
I welcome the opportunity to bring youth empowerment, team building, and life skills training to your organization. Call me at (301) 744-8018 to discuss how I can help you increase staff morale, productivity, and communication.
Nicki Sanders, Chief Visionary Officer of The Teen Toolbox, is a Life Skills Expert who uses her Packaged For Success™ programs to help clients set goals for life and create a road map to reach those goals. Ms. Sanders is an experienced case manager, trainer, and administrator. She offers professional development training for both youth and adults. Ms. Sanders holds a Master’s degree in Social Work and has fifteen years of direct experience with a diverse array of clients in residential, school-based, and community based agencies.
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