If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone’ John C. Maxwell
Change is a wonderful thing, why shy away from it? It should be what drives you, the very reason you get up in the morning knowing the possibilities that await you. So why aren’t more people in business seizing the moment and grabbing every given opportunity?
Everybody’s guilty of staying in their comfort zone at one point or another, and why not? It’s comfortable, familiar, safe and you know where the boundaries lie – what’s not to love? In business, actually quite a lot. There’s the danger of becoming too relaxed. So much so that you’ll wake up one morning and suddenly find that the boundaries safeguarding you have actually restricted you from developing yourself both as an individual and as a business. For the latter, the bond within a team, or lack thereof, can often encourage you to remain in your comfort zone, as hierarchies and predominant egos suppress any confidence and motivation you have towards change and development.
So how do you and your employees approach innovation within a competitive corporate world? The answer is team building, but of a different kind. Take an exclusive venue in a beautiful location and organise a unique event. Begin on a positive beat that as the day goes on, will help you find the confidence to leave your comfort zone behind. Dare to try a different approach in a constructive environment that isn’t intimidating and is instead, both relaxing and motivating.
Business events and in particular, team building days can be fun. If you haven’t found that so far, you haven’t been going to the right ones. At Canvas and Stone, curating the best types of activities to inspire is what we’re all about.
So come on in, sit down around the circle and let us share with you a different approach. Put your smart phones down and leave any office hierarchies at the door – you won’t need any of them here. You’ve been liberated from any of the barriers that you often find hinder motivation in the workplace. Here, everybody’s on an equal footing, you all start on the same level and begin on the same beat.
Pick up the Djembe drum in front of you, and already you’ll begin to feel excited.
A drummer contributes an important role within a band, playing the foundational beats that form a valuable part to the overall composition. Now apply this to you and your colleagues sat around you. Each of you play a valuable role, which combined together, brings strength to the team’s overall structure. Take a deep breathe and jiggle around a bit to loosen up the muscles and relieve any tension. It’s also rather funny to see the sudden lack of composure within the team that definitely generates a giggle or two, which instantly relaxes the vibe among you. Now close your eyes and begin to feel the beat, rhythmically lead by the delegate drummer. Get lost in the rhythm. Forget any fear of coordination (or lack of). You’ll be surprised how quickly you pick it up. Minimal concentration is required and the satisfaction that comes from getting it right ignites confidence from within and smiles throughout the room. Without realising it, you’re beginning to bond as a team.
Next up, learn to rumble. Improve your rhythm through a series of call-and-response patterns, an exercise that encourages interaction within the team. Now that you’re all on the same page and feeling confident both physically and mentally as you collectively work towards your own unique rhythm – don’t be shy, the rest of your team are there to support you by adding various beats from the bass of the drum to the top, to create a final orchestrated piece. As the beats become greater, more powerful, and resonant, feel the energy driven from you as an individual and as a team. It really is quite satisfying as dedication and coordination becomes unified.
Put the drum down (reluctantly) and take a sigh of satisfaction and give yourself and your neighbour a pat on the back. Well done! Feeling motivated and inspired? So much so you want to hand in your P45 and run away with a band? Only kidding. However, you get the gist – the energy, motivation and feeling of achievement that comes from not only learning a new skill and discovering a hidden talent, but finding a presence within you, you didn’t know existed. As a team you feel bonded, with spirit and cohesion having since been restored, and a newfound focus and confidence that will collectively motivate the team towards its goals.
At Canvas and Stone, we don’t just stop with the beat of a drum – the gig’s not over yet. No, no – we have plenty more tricks up our sleeve to help restore wellbeing and motivation back into your team. Discover the artist in you and among colleagues with mask-making in the secret walled garden at Wasing Park, or bushcraft down in the woods. And if that doesn’t float your boat, why not pick up an oar and try your hand at kayaking down the River Wye at Dewsall Court or archery within their beautiful grounds.
For more information on the types of activities and ideas for business events at each of our exclusive-use venues, contact hello@canvasandstone.co.uk or call the team on 020 3741 8040.