Letter from the Editor

Adventure Associates is a team building company. However, we know that most “break-throughs” occur at the individual level. A component of many of our workshops is to collect individual intentions from the participants: What new behavior or mindset will he/she commit to upon return to the workplace? Often we’re amazed by the simplicity of the intentions: I will try to communicate more frequently with my team when working on projects. I will ask more clarifying questions when being given an assignment. I will acknowledge the accomplishments of my employees.

It may not sound like a huge step, but it can be the start of something big. Organizations are complex, like ecosystems. The actions of one person can impact everyone else in the company (to varying degrees) like a pebble dropped into a pond.

What if just one person started communicating more frequently? Or one manager had one more kind word? Or one “stuck” employee asked just one more question.

Many teams are “very nearly there.” With just a few small alterations in how they communicate, seemingly insurmountable morale and productivity issues can be quelled. Sometimes just one lone voice on a team can make a difference.

In this issue, we’ll be examining those small, but important, actions that can improve both a team's efficacy and an individual's experience as a member of that team.

Remember, work is an adventure...be prepared!

Ed Tilley
President
Adventure Associates, Inc.