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“Pull together inside the boat, think outside of it.” That’s what happened for 82 executives and managers at Eddie Bauer recently when they completed a half-day teambuilding program called “Pull Together”. Not unlike many corporations having to address realignment, new strategic initiatives, and resistance to change, Eddie Bauer managers wanted a high quality experience to review if not reinvent effective teamwork. And for them, it worked.
The Pull Together Program consists of at least two on-water challenges by 26-person sub groups of the entire field management team. During the experience each work unit was faced with a largely unfamiliar task of maneuvering a 45-foot paddling boat back and forth down a measured racecourse, using a formula to receive points.
Groups had at least 2 opportunities to diagnose and then improve their team effectiveness on 30 key teamwork performance dimensions. For example, they had to learn how to communicate well while simultaneously watching their course, paddling in rhythm, and turning the boat around without losing time.
Between each challenge the participating groups discussed strategy, negotiated roles, defined “success” for their team, and deciphered ways of improving their performance. They also organized team cheers, and critiqued other group’s paddling success to encourage camaraderie.
Developer of www.Pulltogether.net, and 20-year Management Professor and teamwork consultant, Dr. Jim Clark believes this safe but challenging metaphor for effective teamwork leaves a lasting reminder for team members and leaders about what they can do to improve teamwork.
“Somewhere between the first crazy-quilt paddling challenge, the discussion groups, and the final timed paddling competition teams rekindle their beliefs about the importance of effective teamwork, and then demonstrate it.” The entertaining and informative Summary Report is a digital and text synopsis of what teamwork skills Eddie Bauer managers do particularly well, as well as behaviors they need to improve. Check out a sample of the picture-text report.
Each month a Pulltogether.net representative hosts a brief complimentary breakfast meeting at 1 of the seven west coast cities that host the program. A drawing is held at the 30-minute breakfast meeting, and the winning organization receives a free Pull Together program for up to 25 participants, which is valued at $2500. Call 206-682-2031, or go to the website to sign up for the breakfast meeting, or register your team for the program.
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