February 2009

The “Recipe” for Using Team-Building
To Keep Workplace Morale High in a Downsized Economy

We hear it every day: the economy is forcing companies to downsize and cut back programs, services and staff. Those who are left holding down the fort may now work in multiple departments, carry additional responsibilities and, on top of that, feel guilty about their coworkers being laid off. It’s not exactly the best environment for high workplace morale.

A team-building event could be just what staff members need to get them through these difficult times. But what does “team-building” really mean? To many, it means taking the group out for an activity, such as golfing, sailing or pottery painting (yes, I do know of a team that painted pottery!). Others think teambuilding occurs when you gather your group in a conference room and focus discussion and exercises on the important issues of the day.

I believe a combination of these approaches works the best. It’s important that teams have time to experience activities together in venues outside the office. But it’s also important that they bring something back from these experiences that can help them stay more connected and spark new ways to approach their work.

Our Recipe for Results program at Ovations is a good example (if I do say so myself). It offers work teams the opportunity to bond outside of the office, develop new goals, improve problem-solving skills—and heal the soul through a delicious meal (we all know the benefits of “comfort food” and “chocolate therapy”). Best of all, it offers staff a fresh perspective and renewed sense of teamwork.

The chef who co-facilitates the program, Catherine Bereson, owner of Cooking with Catherine, intentionally designs the cooking class portion of the event—including the recipes, ingredients and equipment available—to highlight common work themes, such as effective utilization of limited resources, creative thinking and making last-minute adjustments. She says, “The individual members of each team really have to focus on communication and cooperation to produce the finished product.”

But don’t take our word for it. Recent client Paul Bach, executive vice president for Genesis HealthCare’s Central Area, said, “I was somewhat uncertain how the program would affect my team. We had just come off of a very productive, but very hectic year. The thought of providing a lighter management development program with a different type of team activity was my aim. And the two of you really delivered on the mission! Not only was the program successful, the accommodations at Fretz Kitchens exceeded my expectations as well. I continue to receive positive feedback from my team members about their time spent in last week's session.”

Put It into Practice:

Try these “main ingredients” to build successful teams in stressful times.

1. Use what you already have in the kitchen. Limited resources can spark more creative ideas by prompting team members to look at old things in new ways.

2. Invite everyone to the table. Collaborate with other departments or organizations to share resources and talent.

3. Limit portion size. Less can sometimes mean more when you focus on quality over quantity.

4. Savor the moment. Recognize that success often takes time and patience.

5. Turn up the heat. Motivate team members by developing innovative programs for rewards and recognition.

Perform at Your Peak:

To help your team cultivate a commitment to teamwork, sign on for our signature program, A Recipe for Results. You’ll experience a distinctive culinary course that combines exercises in group dynamics with the preparation of a restaurant-quality meal.

Ovations Inc. takes corporate teams out of the office to experience activities such as cooking, Pilates, golf and scavenger hunts. Teams focus on various areas of peak performance and apply the learnings back to the work environment. Contact us to find out how can help take your team to the top.

To view this newsletter online, please visit the following link: http://experiencepeakperformance.com/newsletter/february09.html