Team Building Games Through the Eyes of a Participant
What really happens when you take your team out of the office and send them on an island-wide adventure?
We knew we were heading to Waiheke Island for a team-building day. What we didn't know was exactly what our boss had signed us up for.
There was talk of challenges, a little friendly competition and something called The Great Escape. Beyond that, we were going in fairly blind.
Fortunately, there were no trust falls involved.
Let the games begin
After arriving on Waiheke, we met the team from The Great Escape for a briefing. We were split into teams, given our instructions and introduced to the challenges ahead.
The idea was simple: explore Waiheke, complete a series of challenges, collect points and see which team would come out on top.
Of course, it wasn't quite as straightforward as it sounded.
Some challenges called for creative thinking, others tested our general knowledge, observation skills or ability to work together. And then there were the moments when having several very competitive personalities in one team made even the simplest decision surprisingly complicated.
A different side of Waiheke
One of the best things about The Great Escape is that the island itself becomes part of the experience.
Instead of spending the day in a conference room, we were out exploring Waiheke, discovering places we'd never visited and enjoying some spectacular scenery along the way.
There were plenty of laughs, a few questionable team decisions and more than a little debate about the best way to tackle certain challenges.
The competition definitely brought out a different side of a few colleagues.
Team building without the awkwardness
Let's face it, the words team building don't always inspire excitement.
But what made this experience different was how naturally everyone got involved. There were no awkward exercises or forced conversations. We were simply having fun, working things out together and getting to know colleagues outside our usual office environment.
People who rarely worked together were suddenly solving problems as a team. Quieter colleagues came up with brilliant ideas, unexpected leaders emerged and everyone had something to contribute.
And because the challenges were so varied, it wasn't simply a case of the fittest or loudest team winning.
A little healthy competition
As the day went on, the competitive spirit really kicked in.
Every challenge became an opportunity to earn a few more points, and naturally, everyone was convinced their team had the winning strategy.
By the time we reached the finish, we had plenty of stories to share, some hilarious photos and a few moments that would undoubtedly be brought up back at the office.
The day finished with a slideshow of everyone's adventures and a prizegiving, which might have been just as entertaining as the challenges themselves.
More than just a day out of the office
What surprised me most was how much we'd enjoyed spending time together away from our usual work environment.
The Great Escape gave us a reason to get outside, explore somewhere beautiful, solve problems together and have a genuinely good laugh.
And while we might not have returned to the office with any revolutionary new business strategies, we certainly came back with a few stronger connections, plenty of shared memories and some excellent material for the next team meeting.
As far as team-building games go, this one was a winner.
Planning a team-building day on Waiheke?
The Great Escape Island Challenge is one of Destination Waiheke's signature team experiences. We can tailor your day to suit your group and take care of the wider arrangements, including ferry tickets, island transport, dining and other activities.
Whether you're planning a team-building day, corporate retreat or Christmas function, we'll help you put together an experience that works for your group.
Explore our Team Activities or get in touch to start planning your Waiheke team day.