Now's the time to take off with co-workers, says David Maida
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With global markets going down the gurgler, it's a good time for managers to step back and reassess their organisation's future.
Whether it's a restructuring, a new product launch or a strategic forecasting, corporate getaways are big business - and New Zealand is a highly sought-after destination.
Alastair McIlwrick, director of Dinamics Destination Management, specialises in organising such trips in the Queenstown region.
"Sometimes when it's a larger group, they may be trying to get across a strategic view of where the company's going to a wider group," he says.
"A lot of corporations may think they're all going in the same direction, but in fact sections of it are going in another direction."
Corporations often demand exclusive use of high-end properties. Privacy is generally a must as they conduct meetings, take part in team-building activities and enjoy evening functions. The getaways can be anything from incentives as part of a reward programme to product launches.
"We've had groups where they had been working on a new product and they've brought a cross-section of the company so that they all get a view of where the company's going with this particular product," says McIlwrick.
"Then they go back to their particular team that they're working in and talk to them about it."
There are a few factors which make these management breaks worthwhile for everyone. McIlwrick says the most important thing is careful planning.
"Make sure you're not trying to jam too much in or that you've got a whole lot of down-time where people just start to drift off. Pace your programme so that it's enjoyable."
One thing that can kill the event for someone is if they are not allowed to take part because they are loaded down with responsibilities.
"Everyone who attends should be able to participate. The chief executive or his or her secretary isn't stressing about whether the buses are coming or a guest isn't getting their wine at dinner."
At the end of the day, it also helps to have a nice budget for the trip.
"People are looking for really good dining and well-matched beverages with them."
As the action/adventure capital, Queenstown in particular offers a myriad of ways to spend money.
"Queenstown's a beautiful environment. There are some great things to do ... We've also got some fantastic restaurants and wines down here so people can relax, enjoy each other, go through their strategic planning or product launches or whatever and have a really enjoyable time."
Team-building activities on these trips can take a variety of forms and McIlwrick says some groups really get stuck in.
"We've done things like The Great Race where we've put in a team-building exercise around the Maori cultural experience where the group had to do their own performance at the end. That was for about 250 people from Asia."
Corporate retreats offer that one-on-one time with people who don't have the chance to communicate face to face very often.
"I think if they all go away and they've met and understood each other a little bit better that's a good thing. Sometimes people, even if they're working in Auckland, might be on different floors of the company and hardly see the other person."
The retreats may be just a few days, a week or more. McIlwrick says the briefs often vary and can range from "not too strenuous" to "make it as strenuous as possible". And if a quiet, relaxed break is not what you're after, Outward Bound has plenty of options.
"It's definitely not a retreat, but it is time away from the office in a totally different environment to get perspective and understanding of what motivates you and how you work with other people," says Greg Thomas, marketing manager for The Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand.
Outward Bound's focus is on learning by experience. Its leadership development and team development programmes let participants see how others see them and how their management style is affecting others.
"The activities include things like sailing, rock climbing, kayaking, being out in the bush, spending time in the bush alone and a high ropes course," Thomas says.
Queenstown may provide its share of thrills, but with Outward Bound, participants often push the envelope.
"A big component of it is showing yourself that you're capable of more than you think, which means that we are taking people outside their comfort zone ..."
Outward Bound provides challenges designed around the needs of each worker.
"We do debriefing sessions and we use reflection as well. We also have workshops that are built into the programme."
The Outward Bound Leadership Course lasts eight days, but the organisation also offers some two- or three-day courses which can be custom-designed. The activity-based courses are each set up to teach various skills which relate back to work.
"Sailing is your classic team-based activity where everyone has a role to play on the yacht. Without that, the boat can't go forward."
If a team can't effectively sail the yacht, it's probably indicative of a wider communication problem. Climbing a rock wall or working the high ropes might not sound like the ideal corporate escape, but this type of buddy-system activity can prove useful when you return to work.
"You're faced with a task or a challenge or a project that might not seem possible, but you can do it with managers or staff supporting you and providing encouragement."
Contact David Maida at:
www. DavidMaida.com
