The team tasks and structure of a corporate team building day should be designed to help bond your team and build a team vision to take back into the workplace while having fun.
Adventure and fun are used to highlight specific learning outcomes with a team. This involves a program that not only changes the thinking processes within the team, but also looks at applying the learning back into the workplace. You work in teams and compete only with yourself to achieve your own new personal best in life and at work.
These are primarily team-building or networking outings where people can lighten up and have some fun without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed.
Team building programs should be custom built and tailor made for corporate groups. Such challenging activities promote team building, and develop staff communication, motivational skills and leadership while having fun.
Adventure Team Building is an opportunity to revitalize and rejuvenate not only your team, but also the whole organization with outdoor pursuits such as archery, abseil, caving, and rock climbing, skiing, kayaking, fishing, or taking a mountain bike trek, horse riding, driving and more. There are also expeditions, gorge exploring, orienteering, scavenger hunts, rescue games and other multi-adventures intended for relaxing and team motivation. Therefore, Adventure Team Building enables staff to interact between each other, react and act accordingly in similar circumstances, turning unusual collaborative circumstances into experiential learning.
Adventure Team Building can address specific workplace issues; motivate work group understanding, collaboration and cooperation. Experts say that people learn and develop from overcoming challenges, recreational team building provide work groups with instruction and guidance to expand them through a rotation of different problem solving activities.
Outdoor adventure activities, conference energizers and team building exercises may last from a few hours up to a few days enjoying camping, shelter building, barbecues, and al fresco feasts, whilst adding priceless synergy to group dynamics.
To create successful community-building activities appears to be simple, but they require competence, practice and experience. We have found that the best results have been obtained when the program has been well-matched to the needs of the client group, be they recreational, team-building or a vehicle for another agenda.
http://www.wildafricaonline.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Lubbe
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Teams need common vision
The word "team" in the corporate world is one of the most abused words in the sense that what is normally referred to as a team is an amalgamation of individuals who share no common vision except that they belong to the organization with the same name.
It probably goes without saying teams need to have a common purpose. If the team leader is trying to save the world but your real goal is to make a better tennis shoe, then that's a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Team-based organizations should have teams that are entrusted with the responsibility for whole processes (outcomes) rather than isolated functions.
Complimentary skills are important too, when everyone on the team has similar skills and interests and abilities, creativity and intelligent risk-taking often get left behind.
Teams are more effective than individuals when organizing and making decisions, but our current methods of building teams continue to focus on individual accountability. Unlike traditional classroom teaching methods, teams should be given challenges to work through and outcomes to work toward.
A collaborative team is a collection of mutually trusting, respecting, and supporting individuals, who need each other's knowledge, abilities, and combined efforts of the group to effectively achieve common goals. Remember that your employees are already geared to operate in groups; all you need to do is integrate teamwork practices and the sharing of outcomes desired and common vision into your organization's operations.
If designed properly, team-based organizations with clear outcomes and shared vision will always have an upper hand in organizational performance compared to organizations where people are not working towards the same vision and goals.
http://www.wildafricaonline.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Lubbe
It probably goes without saying teams need to have a common purpose. If the team leader is trying to save the world but your real goal is to make a better tennis shoe, then that's a challenge that needs to be addressed.
Team-based organizations should have teams that are entrusted with the responsibility for whole processes (outcomes) rather than isolated functions.
Complimentary skills are important too, when everyone on the team has similar skills and interests and abilities, creativity and intelligent risk-taking often get left behind.
Teams are more effective than individuals when organizing and making decisions, but our current methods of building teams continue to focus on individual accountability. Unlike traditional classroom teaching methods, teams should be given challenges to work through and outcomes to work toward.
A collaborative team is a collection of mutually trusting, respecting, and supporting individuals, who need each other's knowledge, abilities, and combined efforts of the group to effectively achieve common goals. Remember that your employees are already geared to operate in groups; all you need to do is integrate teamwork practices and the sharing of outcomes desired and common vision into your organization's operations.
If designed properly, team-based organizations with clear outcomes and shared vision will always have an upper hand in organizational performance compared to organizations where people are not working towards the same vision and goals.
http://www.wildafricaonline.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Lubbe
You are the composer of the music and the director of the orchestra
We often take the role of spectator in our lives, sitting back and looking on in amazement and lack of understanding of what has happened and is happening to us. Often wondering how the heck we ended up in the position that we find ourselves in. It is not uncommon to hear when asking someone how they are, for them to answer, 'well under the circumstances'..... Thereby acknowledging that they have subjected themselves to their circumstances.
I recently overheard a gentleman telling a friend of his how well he was doing and that he did not understand what was happening or how he had managed it. He may have been trying to sound humble in his blessings but I had the distinct feeling that he really thought he did not know.
Our lives are a composition of our own creation. We not only chose and compose the music, but also choose the members of the orchestra that will help us perform the composition. Most people that I know will avoid music that offends their ears. People consciously seek out music that either inspires them or at the very least gets a little rhythm going. You will seldom if ever see someone subjecting themselves to a painful music experience. It stands to reason that if you can identify with music and rhythm that pleases you, that you could use the same inspiration in the various facets of your life.
Your composition can be a celebration of your life. By listening to what your desires, passions and intentions are, you start creating a composition that celebrates your purpose. You need to find the passions and desires that overwhelm you. Have you ever watched a movie where something really great happens and you are moved to tears? Your composition in life requires a similar response not only from the orchestra you have chosen to direct but also from yourself. An absolute feeling of gratitude for the beauty and blessings that surround you would generally be an indication that your composition is celebrating your life.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Being Awesome
Today we’re going to cover comfort – in particular, your comfort zone. When most people think about comfort they think positive thoughts. Words like ‘soothing’, ‘calming’ and ‘secure’ pop into their minds.There’s actually a dark side to comfort.Remember that your mind is desperately trying to keep you as safe as possible. It doesn’t want you to experience anything new to rock the status quo. So, you basically do the same things every day – you eat the same food, you watch TV at the same time, you drive the same route, you chat to the same friends, you do the same activities. You’re living in a comfort bubble, AND YOU’RE NOT GROWING!T. Harv Eker goes so far as to call your comfort zone your cage.He explains beautifully the idea of how, as you expand your comfort zone, you actually grow as a person to fill out these new boundaries. It makes sense. If you have a larger comfort zone, and continue to push the edges of it out, you really do grow as an individual – you have more experiences, more learning, and more wisdom.You also need to be aware that it is YOU who created the bars of your comfort cage. No one else. It’s time to take responsibility and start bending, and even removing, the bars to the cage. These bars are reinforced by the company that you keep.
DO THE FOLLOWING EXCERISES TO EXPAND YOUR COMFORT ZONE:
1. Do the UnexpectedTake a minute to think about who you are–specifically focus on your personality. Are you generally quiet and rather shy? Or are you the extrovert who loves a constant crowd? The exercise is to do something out of character. What would raise your friends’ eyebrows and make them say, “No way. ______ did that!” (In a good way, of course!). If you’re a quiet mouse, host a dinner party. For some this would be the easiest task in the world. For a limelight avoider this might be pure terror. Do it anyway! If you’re a gregarious creature and the idea of a blank social calendar causes your pulse to race, perhaps you should try going to a silent meditation retreat on your own. Wild Africa Adventures can assist you in organizing an event.
2. TravelThere is no better way to shake things up in your world than to take a trip that makes you a little bit nervous. Understand that I’m not referring to the same comfortable vacation routine that you’ve become accustomed over the last decade. I’m talking about plopping yourself down in a place where you’re confronted with a new language, foods, climate, practices, etc. You’ll soon understand how predictable your daily routine truly is .Challenge yourself to go with the flow. I have many clients that join me in Mozambique for a cultural and distressing experience that really opens your eyes to this land of milk and honey that we live in. A cage-expanding experience.
3. Eat Something DifferentWhen it comes to food, most of us are on autopilot. We cook the same meals week after week. Even when we visit restaurants (usually the same restaurants), we order the same things. This is an easy exercise: try something new! Order a vegetarian dinner.This tiny act will break up your routine. And there are other small routine-breakers you can try: take a different route to work, have lunch with a different group once and a while, and take a break from TV for a week.
4. Tackle a FearThis is probably the hardest exercise on the list. Many of you have fears. It could be anything: flying, public speaking, sharing your feelings, swimming. You’ve actually become comfortable with this fear. This fear has become a part of your identity. You fail to challenge this fear anymore. This isn’t good. Irrational fears make you weak. So, the challenge is to isolate the fear and chip away at it until you can manage it and it doesn’t manage you. Consciously confront it. If you’re petrified of public speaking, throw yourself in the ring and join Toastmasters. If you have a fear of spiders or heights, let the Wild Africa Team take you on a journey. We are controlled by fantasized expectations that appear real. (Fear)
5. Learn Something NewYou’ve probably been doing the same activities for years. That’s lovely, but why not add something new to the mix? You’re not learning and growing if you’ve been doing something for so long you can practically accomplish it in your sleep. There are so many interesting things out there to learn: pottery, languages, knitting, singing, ballet, poetry, carpentry, reflexology, poetry, cooking, karate, etc. And no, you’re not too old.. Moreover, when you take a class, you’ll meet a circle of likeminded souls: curious, fun individuals eager to learn something new. An added bonus! I lost fifteen kilograms in six months on a mountain bike.And remember, I’m not saying to discard your old way of life, the things you truly enjoy. It’s about adding to and expanding what you already have going on to ensure growth continues
DO THE FOLLOWING EXCERISES TO EXPAND YOUR COMFORT ZONE:
1. Do the UnexpectedTake a minute to think about who you are–specifically focus on your personality. Are you generally quiet and rather shy? Or are you the extrovert who loves a constant crowd? The exercise is to do something out of character. What would raise your friends’ eyebrows and make them say, “No way. ______ did that!” (In a good way, of course!). If you’re a quiet mouse, host a dinner party. For some this would be the easiest task in the world. For a limelight avoider this might be pure terror. Do it anyway! If you’re a gregarious creature and the idea of a blank social calendar causes your pulse to race, perhaps you should try going to a silent meditation retreat on your own. Wild Africa Adventures can assist you in organizing an event.
2. TravelThere is no better way to shake things up in your world than to take a trip that makes you a little bit nervous. Understand that I’m not referring to the same comfortable vacation routine that you’ve become accustomed over the last decade. I’m talking about plopping yourself down in a place where you’re confronted with a new language, foods, climate, practices, etc. You’ll soon understand how predictable your daily routine truly is .Challenge yourself to go with the flow. I have many clients that join me in Mozambique for a cultural and distressing experience that really opens your eyes to this land of milk and honey that we live in. A cage-expanding experience.
3. Eat Something DifferentWhen it comes to food, most of us are on autopilot. We cook the same meals week after week. Even when we visit restaurants (usually the same restaurants), we order the same things. This is an easy exercise: try something new! Order a vegetarian dinner.This tiny act will break up your routine. And there are other small routine-breakers you can try: take a different route to work, have lunch with a different group once and a while, and take a break from TV for a week.
4. Tackle a FearThis is probably the hardest exercise on the list. Many of you have fears. It could be anything: flying, public speaking, sharing your feelings, swimming. You’ve actually become comfortable with this fear. This fear has become a part of your identity. You fail to challenge this fear anymore. This isn’t good. Irrational fears make you weak. So, the challenge is to isolate the fear and chip away at it until you can manage it and it doesn’t manage you. Consciously confront it. If you’re petrified of public speaking, throw yourself in the ring and join Toastmasters. If you have a fear of spiders or heights, let the Wild Africa Team take you on a journey. We are controlled by fantasized expectations that appear real. (Fear)
5. Learn Something NewYou’ve probably been doing the same activities for years. That’s lovely, but why not add something new to the mix? You’re not learning and growing if you’ve been doing something for so long you can practically accomplish it in your sleep. There are so many interesting things out there to learn: pottery, languages, knitting, singing, ballet, poetry, carpentry, reflexology, poetry, cooking, karate, etc. And no, you’re not too old.. Moreover, when you take a class, you’ll meet a circle of likeminded souls: curious, fun individuals eager to learn something new. An added bonus! I lost fifteen kilograms in six months on a mountain bike.And remember, I’m not saying to discard your old way of life, the things you truly enjoy. It’s about adding to and expanding what you already have going on to ensure growth continues
Its not too late
I often hear that it’s too late and that there just isn’t enough time to do all the things I believe will make me happy. This however is why death was invented.
There is always plenty of time when we not only identify but also set our priorities. A rather macabre statement that should inform our daily decisions.In order to be a nicely balanced person it is important to develop all the functional areas in our lives. Areas such as our health, family relationships. Social relationships, careers and spiritual environments.
We are habit forming creatures that quickly get into a sequential rut. Doing the same things daily. We get up at the same time; have coffee, shower, breakfast etc. Then we’re off to work where the same daily sequence repeats itself. After work we may be off to a gym or more routine suppers and TV, bed and up the next day only to repeat the sequence.We often end up living to work, where our work or careers seems to take up the bulk of our available time.
Its time to take a step back and review what habits you are spending your time on. Do a quick calculation by examining just one day in you life. See how much time is spent on your health, career, spiritual life, friends etc. The ideal would be to strike a balance between the various parts.At worst you should be spending an equal time between work and the other areas of your life. Our careers should be set up to enable us to participate actively in our areas of health, family etc.Your successes in the various parts of your life are in direct relationship to the amount of quality time spent on them.
It’s not too late. Start making time today
There is always plenty of time when we not only identify but also set our priorities. A rather macabre statement that should inform our daily decisions.In order to be a nicely balanced person it is important to develop all the functional areas in our lives. Areas such as our health, family relationships. Social relationships, careers and spiritual environments.
We are habit forming creatures that quickly get into a sequential rut. Doing the same things daily. We get up at the same time; have coffee, shower, breakfast etc. Then we’re off to work where the same daily sequence repeats itself. After work we may be off to a gym or more routine suppers and TV, bed and up the next day only to repeat the sequence.We often end up living to work, where our work or careers seems to take up the bulk of our available time.
Its time to take a step back and review what habits you are spending your time on. Do a quick calculation by examining just one day in you life. See how much time is spent on your health, career, spiritual life, friends etc. The ideal would be to strike a balance between the various parts.At worst you should be spending an equal time between work and the other areas of your life. Our careers should be set up to enable us to participate actively in our areas of health, family etc.Your successes in the various parts of your life are in direct relationship to the amount of quality time spent on them.
It’s not too late. Start making time today
You are already successful
This principle is based on the premise that you are taking control of your environment.There are many of us that understand and apply the principles of success daily without recognising the fact that we are.
The basic principles of the successful implementation of an objective would be:
• to first identify the end result or vision (what would the end result look like);
• then identify objectives to assist in successfully delivering the vision;
• Next identify the habits required to implement the objectives;
• determine the team that would implement the habits that would assure successful implementation of the vision or final objective; and
• last but not least call to duty.
An example I would like to use is sad but very true. Recently our community policing forum was assisting the police in an operation when I observed the following:There were vagrants trespassing on private property sleeping on the ground. They had created human nests, with four to five guys sleeping together under blankets and plastic sheets. Here we had grown men that had decided the following:
Vision: That they would sleep warm in an unsuitable environment
Objectives:
• Create a clearly defined area to bed down
• Agree to bedding down time
• Who would be sleeping where in the nest?
• Duration of the sleeping arrangement
• Who would contribute resources, blankets etc to the arrangement
• What time they would meet to eat and arrange themselves in the nest
• Who would be responsible for arranging the covering when everyone was in?
• The effect of ablution arrangements on the comfort of the other guests in the nest
• Safety and demarcation of the nest when they left to go to work.
I am sure that they did not consciously set out to fulfil the objectives as I set them out, and herein lays my point.All indications were that all the nests were successful in achieving the above objectives. Although this example is a sad one, it clearly demonstrates that we all have and daily effect the habits required for success. If there is a lack then it lies within the realm of us not setting big and clear enough objectives to deliver on what we really need and want.Instead our energies are focused on what we don’t want using the same principles of success and then wondering why we get the results that we do.
This example is not unique and I see it played out everyday. Set time aside to really focus on what you want, instead of going through the actions that ensure success in the things that you don’t want.
The basic principles of the successful implementation of an objective would be:
• to first identify the end result or vision (what would the end result look like);
• then identify objectives to assist in successfully delivering the vision;
• Next identify the habits required to implement the objectives;
• determine the team that would implement the habits that would assure successful implementation of the vision or final objective; and
• last but not least call to duty.
An example I would like to use is sad but very true. Recently our community policing forum was assisting the police in an operation when I observed the following:There were vagrants trespassing on private property sleeping on the ground. They had created human nests, with four to five guys sleeping together under blankets and plastic sheets. Here we had grown men that had decided the following:
Vision: That they would sleep warm in an unsuitable environment
Objectives:
• Create a clearly defined area to bed down
• Agree to bedding down time
• Who would be sleeping where in the nest?
• Duration of the sleeping arrangement
• Who would contribute resources, blankets etc to the arrangement
• What time they would meet to eat and arrange themselves in the nest
• Who would be responsible for arranging the covering when everyone was in?
• The effect of ablution arrangements on the comfort of the other guests in the nest
• Safety and demarcation of the nest when they left to go to work.
I am sure that they did not consciously set out to fulfil the objectives as I set them out, and herein lays my point.All indications were that all the nests were successful in achieving the above objectives. Although this example is a sad one, it clearly demonstrates that we all have and daily effect the habits required for success. If there is a lack then it lies within the realm of us not setting big and clear enough objectives to deliver on what we really need and want.Instead our energies are focused on what we don’t want using the same principles of success and then wondering why we get the results that we do.
This example is not unique and I see it played out everyday. Set time aside to really focus on what you want, instead of going through the actions that ensure success in the things that you don’t want.
God bless Africa
I believe that our challenge in South Africa today is not crime, poverty and unemployment, but rather a lack of pride in ourselves as a nation. I look around daily and hear the bitter complaints about the taxis riding all over the place, people throwing papers out of car windows, “gentleman” urinating next to the road and wonder how it is that as South Africans we have so little or no pride in our country.
People constantly tell me on the best authority that the world cup is going to be a gemors, that there is no future in this country and that we should get our kids out as quickly as possible.While watching a test in Mozambique not to long ago, the national anthem plays and all the guests stay seated drinking, smoking, chatting away and having a laugh. There was a time not too long ago that many of you may remember; when the anthem played we at least stood up. Today there is a whole generation that does not know the anthem. This includes the parts in their mother tongue.
I have included the words and translation to the anthem in this article and challenge you to not only read it but learn it. Be the one at the next international rugby test or soccer match that stands up and sings the anthem with pride.We have achieved so much and are such an incredible people living in an awesomely beautiful country. As a nation we need to start by extending our hands back to ourselves instead of constantly expecting government to fix our problems.We take our country back when we stand and say, I am a proud South African and demonstrate it by at least knowing the words to the national anthem. The next time someone complains about this beautiful country and her people, ask them to sing the anthem or shut up.
The National Anthem
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,Yizwa imithandazo yethu,Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.Uit die blou van onse hemel,Uit die diepte van ons see,Oor ons ewige gebergtes,Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together,And united we shall stand,Let us live and strive for freedom,In South Africa our land.
God Bless AfricaOriginal Lovedale English Translation
Lord, bless Africa;May her horn rise high up;Hear Thou our prayers And bless us. ChorusDescend, O Spirit,Descend, O Holy Spirit.Bless our chiefsMay they remember their Creator.Fear Him and revere Him,That He may bless them. Bless the public men,Bless also the youthThat they may carry the land with patienceand that Thou mayst bless them. Bless the wivesAnd also all young women;Lift up all the young girlsAnd bless them. Bless the ministersof all the churches of this land;Endue them with Thy SpiritAnd bless them. Bless agriculture and stock raisingBanish all famine and diseases;Fill the land with good healthAnd bless it. Bless our effortsof union and self-uplift,Of education and mutual understandingAnd bless them. Lord, bless AfricaBlot out all its wickednessAnd its transgressions and sins,And bless it.
People constantly tell me on the best authority that the world cup is going to be a gemors, that there is no future in this country and that we should get our kids out as quickly as possible.While watching a test in Mozambique not to long ago, the national anthem plays and all the guests stay seated drinking, smoking, chatting away and having a laugh. There was a time not too long ago that many of you may remember; when the anthem played we at least stood up. Today there is a whole generation that does not know the anthem. This includes the parts in their mother tongue.
I have included the words and translation to the anthem in this article and challenge you to not only read it but learn it. Be the one at the next international rugby test or soccer match that stands up and sings the anthem with pride.We have achieved so much and are such an incredible people living in an awesomely beautiful country. As a nation we need to start by extending our hands back to ourselves instead of constantly expecting government to fix our problems.We take our country back when we stand and say, I am a proud South African and demonstrate it by at least knowing the words to the national anthem. The next time someone complains about this beautiful country and her people, ask them to sing the anthem or shut up.
The National Anthem
Nkosi sikelel' iAfrika Maluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,Yizwa imithandazo yethu,Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,O fedise dintwa la matshwenyeho,O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.Uit die blou van onse hemel,Uit die diepte van ons see,Oor ons ewige gebergtes,Waar die kranse antwoord gee, Sounds the call to come together,And united we shall stand,Let us live and strive for freedom,In South Africa our land.
God Bless AfricaOriginal Lovedale English Translation
Lord, bless Africa;May her horn rise high up;Hear Thou our prayers And bless us. ChorusDescend, O Spirit,Descend, O Holy Spirit.Bless our chiefsMay they remember their Creator.Fear Him and revere Him,That He may bless them. Bless the public men,Bless also the youthThat they may carry the land with patienceand that Thou mayst bless them. Bless the wivesAnd also all young women;Lift up all the young girlsAnd bless them. Bless the ministersof all the churches of this land;Endue them with Thy SpiritAnd bless them. Bless agriculture and stock raisingBanish all famine and diseases;Fill the land with good healthAnd bless it. Bless our effortsof union and self-uplift,Of education and mutual understandingAnd bless them. Lord, bless AfricaBlot out all its wickednessAnd its transgressions and sins,And bless it.
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