As the end of financial year approaches, many companies shift their focus to planning for the year ahead or longer.

It may be strategic planning, operational planning, creative planning or budget planning.

Whilst this focus is serious, adding fun into planning can maximise the outcome and extract the potential in people and teams, according to Corporate Challenge Events Managing Director Dwain Richardson.

“Fun does not mean to stop serious discussion and planning, it means to create an environment of positivity and enjoyment that opens up discussion, ideas and confidence to contribute,” said Mr Richardson.

“Strategic planning is a serious part of any business that I believe can produce some mind-blowing results if structured the right way.”

In his blog ‘Bringing fun into serious planning with your team’, Mr Richardson provides advice on how to unlock the potential in teams during planning days.

1. Use an external venue

“If you want your team to think differently and creatively, a new and fresh environment is a simple way to do this. An external venue will build excitement and positivity which are great ingredients for creativity and innovation. An offsite venue does not always mean an overnight stay or a regional retreat. There are many funky meeting spaces that could transform your meeting into one of the best planning days you have had.”

2. Do team building exercises

“Starting the planning day with team building exercises is an energising way to set up the group for a productive, innovative and thoughtful session ahead. There are many great and fun activities that take 15 to 30 minutes which get teams in a positive frame of mind. It’s all about inspiring creative thinking and maximising the potential within the team.”

3. Follow a structured agenda

“An agenda will ensure a purposeful process to the day, keep everyone on track and provide a good tool to help participants prepare for their contribution. The best agendas have a balance of fun, instructive, informative and participative sessions. Also, do not underestimate the power in including some corporate training workshops in the agenda to further inspire and nurture your team members.”

Mr Richardson said following these tips would benefit the team’s performance not only during the planning day but well into the future.

“It will not only bring fun, excitement and positivity towards the planning session, but it will show you are considering the importance of the team culture,” he said.

“If you can create a culture and environment where your team feels respected and appreciated, they will deliver the commitment you desire and some very impressive planning outcomes.”

Corporate Challenge Events is a leader in delivering indoor and outdoor team building activities, corporate training workshops and corporate events planning in Australia and New Zealand.

Visit www.corporatechallenge.com.au or www.corpchallenge.co.nz

ENDS

For further information contact:

Corporate Challenge Events
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 832 669
P.O. Box 11846, Ellerslie, Auckland 1542
https://www.corpchallenge.co.nz/