I always strive for a perfect team building event. However, anyone who regularly organises team building events knows that there are often last-minute obstacles and the need to jump through at least a few hoops before successful completion. In the past, we have been faced with clients slashing their budgets overnight (yet still expecting the same session) and a venue deciding to host a 400-people drumming workshop next door to an examination for airline pilots!
On a smaller scale, there have been parking problems for staff, clients’ dietary issues and lost expense receipts that have threatened the day. However large the challenges may seem, we keep cool and work to ensure that all our events go without hitch.
Sometimes, absolutely everything goes perfectly, and a session last week, where we delivered drumming and Haka activities for brand new clients, was one such example.
Our clients needed some team building ideas for a group session to take place in Switzerland. They wanted a full morning of physical, emotional and unique experiences.
We agreed to provide Haka first thing in the morning. Then, after coffee, when the participants thought that their lives were back to normal, they would find themselves drumming all the way to lunch!
Waking up at 3am to catch an early flight from Heathrow Airport, I quickly pondered the challenges that I might face.
Travelling went very smoothly. Our Maori team, the film crew, my fellow drumming colleagues and our client all arrived perfectly on time. We emerged into sunshine, with a breeze whipping off the Southern Alps on to the beautiful streets of Lucerne. The venue was stunning and the staff were extremely helpful. Even the drums that were sent in advance were in position, unpacked and counted. This was a great start!
We then met our clients for a briefing and rehearsal. We listened to their last-minute suggestions and offered our advice. Everyone agreed on the finer details. There were no last minute challenges and everyone was really enthused and excited about the day’s activities.
Before the Haka session, our Maori team invited the three main client directors to be part of their traditional pre-Haka prayer or incantation. This serves to bring depth and greater sense of history to the activity. Just as the ritual came to an end, the Sun broke over the peak of the highest mountain and illuminated the room. I suppose the Swiss are famous for their perfect timing!
The participants loved both the Haka and drumming activities. Their leaders, painted with warrior face markings, got so involved. We find that Haka and drumming work so well together as they both include tradition, skill and passion. They were a perfect fit for the main conference message, which was ‘Embrace the Challenge’.
The event ended on a high when participants were shocked to be told that they could take home their now-beloved drums as keepsakes.
With the vivid memories of wonderful instant feedback, warm smiles and strong handshakes, we returned to a dark and drizzly London – finishing a perfect day.
For more information about our team events, please Contact Us now.
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