Don't forget your brain when you plan staff retreats!

Years ago, I attended training with a great trainer, Rob Bocchino. He taught us that when people first assemble (like in a training or class), their brains are stuck in a survival mode of “flight or flight”. It is called the reptilian process of the brain.

The purpose of this brain mode is to protect. It’s devoted to securing one’s well-being and when people are in this "place"; guards are up. When guards are up or basic needs aren’t being met, participants cannot learn or take in information very well. For a trainer, that’s professional kryptonite.

Recently, I was contracted to plan a retreat for a work team in Kansas City. It was scheduled during the summer months and on a warm, sunny Friday.

About half way through the day, the team was beginning to lose steam. I could see it. They had worked in small groups, large groups and had taken in quite a bit of information that morning. Although they had breaks and snacks, they needed what I call emotional calisthenics.

It just so happend that across the street from our Kansas City training site was a beautiful walk-through garden for the community to enjoy. I took the team outside for an opportunity to re-charge. It was great! We sauntered across the busy intersection into an almost magical, multi-colored garden. The sweet smell of floral was thick and inviting.

It was amazing to watch this the dynamic among the team-mates. Executives, managers, administrative staff - casually strolled through the garden giggling, chatting and re-discovering one another’s strengths and individuality. Positive mental and emotional imprints were made that day. Imprints that will impact workplace interactions for months – or even years – to come! Likely, the result will be more constructive work groups, higher productivity and even fewer turnovers if the tools learned are infused into workplace culture.

The remainder of the afternoon was a facilitator’s dream. I enjoyed spending time with a content-hungry group was eager to try new things and learn innovative information. Evaluations from the team about the day’s processes were glowing. Under the right circumstances team cohesion can just happen – no harnesses or pointless games needed!