90 Seconds to be Inspired

I had a big challenge this month. Help a Founder build a 2-day offsite agenda for his newly formed leadership team with a singular goal: build trust. 

Why was this such a challenging mission? Because the offsite was scheduled in NYC the same week I was scheduled to be in Vegas. And alas, I can’t be in two places at once. 

So, we embarked on a mission to create a two-day agenda that they could run completely independently, without a facilitator. 

One of the most fulfilling things about this work is when you can enable and empower teams to do things on their own. I texted the founder several times throughout the week, “You ok? How’s it going? Here if you need me!!!” And I heard crickets back. I shoved my anxiety and guilt way down and was so relieved when we finally caught up this week and he shared feedback on the experience.

“Joy, we achieved the mission!”

BOOM!!! Here were a few other sound-bytes I captured:

“The chemistry was palpable.”

“The activities were intense but it worked.”

“It was so intimate, we really feel like a team now.”

Taking two days to build trust may seem excessive or frivolous, but from my perch, it’s one of the best ROI activities you can do to gel and solidify your team. 

In this edition of Time for Joy, I’ll break down the agenda so that you can replicate this type of experience with your teams. Borrow an idea, a session, or the entire format if it’s helpful. 

And I’m here to help, a little or a lot ; )

90 Seconds to Learn a Little

TLDR, the agenda is here:

Leadership Offsite - Trust Building - Template Agenda

At a high level, this is what we did:

• Built individual relationships through vulnerability-focused activities and organic, fun activities

• Increased team awareness and rituals by working on values alignment and team charter creation

• Ensured fun/external activities focused were mission-aligned

If you need a User Guide, Team Charter Template or a more detailed facilitator’s version of this agenda, send me an email!

90 Seconds to Connect

While my clients were busy bonding, I was living my best life in Vegas. I had quality time with clients and friends, and met a heck of a lot of interesting humans. One of which was the CHRO of a notable NFL team who was equal parts inspiring and humble.

Killer combo.

She gave us so many great tips about becoming and staying a high performing team. 

“Clarity is the number one driver to increase performance”

“The reality of the season is the reality of the season. No matter the reality, we call you to greatness.”

And one that is just too funny to leave out:

“Fans actually rate the hot dogs at the stadium as tasting better when the team is winning!”

I waited in line for ~20 minutes to meet her after her talk, to tell her how much I took away and to hopefully stay connected. And then I immediately sent her an email to continue the connection.

Why? Because when someone makes a great impression and teaches you something, you don’t forget it. These are rare moments. Seize them.

Collect people who inspire you. It may take time and effort to stay in their orbit but in my experience, it’s worth it. You just may be on the same team someday.

Connect with me in person in the coming months!

April: Boston & Wilmington, NC

May: NYC, Naples FL, Jacksonville FL, Nashville

June: NYC & Charleston (yes, I live there but it’s rare that I work there. In June both will be true!)

Help me expand my inner circle

My company, ScaleJOY, has delivered quality experiences to hundreds of clients and has grown solely by word of mouth referrals. Spread the joy by sharing this newsletter, or connect them directly to me for leadership development, coaching, or offsite facilitation. Thank you for your continued support!