Get some Vision 2020!

If the Springboks’ World Cup victory taught us anything, it’s that great leadership is required to build a great team. And if you take your cue from our boys in green and gold in the year ahead, that winning edge is well within reach. It translates to business leaders who understand individual and collective strengths, support and grow their teams, and inject a spirit of creativity that fills everyone with enthusiasm.

Looking at the coming decade, Forbes magazine forecasts that thriving careers will in future come down to 10 core skills: creativity, emotional intelligence (EQ), analytical thinking, active learning with a growth mindset, judgment and decision making, interpersonal communication skills, leadership skills, diversity and cultural intelligence, being tech smart and the ability to embrace change. Taking these pointers into account, how can you grow your team into a powerhouse that turns challenges into opportunities, and make growth a given?

Leading the way

Smart leaders already recognize that igniting creative thought among employees empower them to think out of the box, grow their skill set, communicate better and drive positive change. They also know that nurturing bonds between colleagues, brainstorming better ways of doing business together and encouraging continuous learning give teams the tools they need to operate more effectively, be more productive and enjoy their jobs more.

2020 is coming into focus fast, and with it comes the chance to kick off the next decade with feasible plans. It’s as simple as being clear about what you want to achieve, and converting that into actions that benefit both you and the team. The best part is that it doesn’t have to be as stuffy and stifling as the work environments of the 80s – the next decade will be attuned to collaboration, open-minded thinking and fostering better connections with each other.

Set your intentions

Yes, the bottom line matters – a lot – but to get there, you need each team member to be more productive. And to get there, they need to feel safe, valued, happy and inspired. These guidelines will help to unlock the ideal combination of components to make your team click...

Strong relationships: Nobody expects colleagues to become best friends outside of the office, but they shouldn’t be operating as islands either. In order to work together well, co-workers need to know a bit more about each other than just how many sugars they take in their coffee. This enables them to communicate better when it counts, be more effective when everyone’s pulling together on a project, and become more considerate and empathic – which adds the crucial ingredient of trust. All of this takes time, especially in an office situation with its demands and distractions. More often than not, the best inter-team bonds are cemented at corporate getaways when everyone can switch off their office mode and the dynamic is different.

A culture of listening: When employees feel undervalued and as if their opinions don’t count, they’ll eventually stop contributing ideas and suggestions. Similarly, if their concerns keep falling on deaf ears, complacency will follow. All this impacts negatively on both the team and its productivity. In a deadline-driven era where time is in short supply, it’s hard to ensure that everyone is heard within an office setting. Which just goes to show how valuable offsite conferences can be. When teams break up into smaller groups to brainstorm ideas, for example, even the quietest colleagues will be able to make their ideas heard.

A spirit of creativity: There’s just no substitute for a change of scenery, fresh air and the luxury of time to get those creative juices flowing – and it’s much easier to infuse your team with renewed energy when everyone’s relaxed. Aim to set aside dedicated offsite time this year to nurture your business’ most valuable asset – the people who make it all happen. Got a team of tech-shy accountants? Throw them into the ‘deep’ end with a treasure hunt using a live mobile app. They’ll learn something new and figure out ways to communicate better, without even realising that they’re having a ton of fun!

A yearning for learning: They say that knowledge is power, but it certainly doesn’t have to come from a book. In fact, learning from one another, being inspired by thought-provoking guest speakers, and problem-solving tricky situations as a team can provide some of the best learning curves. And who says it has to involve sales projections? A completely unrelated task can teach teams to pull together – like going the distance in an Amazing Race, or discovering hidden cooking talents in a potjiekos competition.

And… action!

Believe it or not, but effective team building is a mindset that can easily be woven into your day-to-day operations. It increases employee engagement and improves morale all round, making for a much happier and more productive work environment. What’s more, it facilitates all 10 of the skills that Forbes hails as keys for success in future.

Open-door policy: An open door only works when there are no hidden agendas or ambiguity, so always be clear and transparent in your interactions. This includes communicating regularly with your team and really listening to their concerns.

Define the playing field: When employees know what boundaries and expectations exist in the workplace, it’s far easier for them to work within those parameters. Giving good guidance is also a sign of respect – it shows that you’re willing to invest time in helping someone to shape their career.

Control the urge to control: Ever heard of ‘helicopter parenting’? It’s a term often used for fussy moms who hover over their brood and micromanage their every move and minute. Now circle back to the office… Empowered employees aren’t constantly bugged by overbearing bosses. Instead, they’re given the space to reach their potential. Give your staff the trust they deserve – you’ll reap the rewards!

Take a step back to move forward: Whether it’s a team-builder, a big brainstorm far from the boardroom or a conference-style summit over a couple of days, a corporate getaway in an inspirational venue allows colleagues to reconnect, to re-evaluate old ideas, and to come up with creative solutions for challenges and opportunities. It also rewards them for their efforts, celebrates their strengths, breaks down barriers and boosts morale.

Celebrating Success

At Team Orange, we’ve been privileged to share in the successes of so many businesses over the years, and we’ve witnessed how team-building events can transform the dynamics between colleagues, how conferences can change company cultures from within, and how an injection of creativity can empower employees.

We've seen goals being set, reached and exceeded; we’ve been there when new teams met, mingled and mastered new skills; and best of all – we’ve marveled at the sheer enjoyment of co-workers playing and learning together.

Armed with our network of spectacular venues, world-class suppliers and a team who truly understands the value of time out, we offer a range of customised themes that can be tailored for just about any event. Whether your team is big or small, shy or boisterous, laidback or adventurous – we’re there every step of the way to ensure that your corporate getaways will tie in perfectly with your vision for 2020.

Here’s to your most successful year yet!