Newsletters - Feb/Mar 2008

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE TEAM MOTIVATION

Motivation. We hear the term often. Generally we associate the word with human behavior, meaning, a state of mind that moves us to action. And even though few of us have had formal training in it, it’s one of those characteristics of life that seems to fit the old adage, “I know it when I see it.” 

For most of my years working in the field of workplace collaboration, this word has held a place of stature and importance, because it has been, perhaps, the most significant outcome of worker involvement. As the collaboration trend, and more specifically, the use of employee teams continues to grow, one question that is taking on greater importance is how to keep the team motivated over the long haul.

What are the ingredients or characteristics of teams that seem to sustain high levels of motivation?

I posed this question to a group of people recently and found that it tapped into some deeply held beliefs about what makes us do what we do. So for those of you working with teams, here are some thoughts that might help

To Read Full Article Click Here Peter Grazier

National

In January 2008 Corporate Challenge opened its first office in Auckland, New Zealand. Located in Ellerslie and headed up by Regional Manager Stu Robertson, we are very excited about the potential in the New Zealand Team Building and Experiential Learning Industry. The first quarter has focused on establishing and developing relationships with key Hotel’s and Professional Conference Organisers, in order to enable Corporate Challenge  to continue delivering our programs to the same high standards
set across our Australian Offices.

A highlight to date has been facilitating an international team building event for KPSS, where their offices in each state of Australia and in Auckland, New Zealand competed against each other in a mini Olympics on the same day. Results from each of the locations were then sent to Corporate Challenge Head Office to be collated. Unfortunately, for our New Zealand representatives, their Australian counterparts got the better of them. Something we will be hearing about for months to come no doubt!

As we move into the second quarter of 2008 Auckland is experiencing a surge in enquiries on a daily basis from all over New Zealand. We look forward to facilitating your next team building event and developing our relationship with you in 2008.

For all enquiries and for a free proposal feel free to Contact Stu in the office on + 64 9 589 1917.

Western Australia Update

Western Australia has seen the appointment of a new State Manager – Darren Brady. After a steady January/February, Western Australia has experienced a massive influx of enquires. March proved to be a busy month with some exciting programs being delivered with the most popular being the City Scramble and why wouldn’t it be with such a beautiful city.

Other events held in WA this quarter included the Survivor program (my favourite). This was held up in the tranquil surroundings of Kings Park, a beautiful spot to hold this program. The team from Western Power battled it out to see who would be the company’s sole survivor. When it came to tribal council it didn’t take to long to find out who was the sole survivor as one team strategically used their immunity idol and we watched as all of the other teams were eliminated in one foul swoop. BHP Macmahon also completed a Survivor program during this quarter, with a lot of laughs and funny moments all participants had a fantastic time.

In March the Corporate Challenge Fugitive broke out of his holding cell and was on the run. A special task force was assembled and it was the job of Silver Chain to successfully locate him. Teams from Silver Chain completed various activities both physical and mental to earn clues to the identity of the fugitive. I am happy to report that Silver Chain were successful in their mission and captured the Corporate Challenge fugitive in record time. Well done teams.

Lastly, KPSS organised a national Mini Olympics. This saw both the WA & SA offices come together to battle it out amongst themselves and the rest of Australia and NZ. Team Jamaica dominated the day winning every event except one finishing with a total of 20 points. After all scores were collated across the country team Jamaica were crowned overall winners, awesome job.

If you are in WA and looking to spice up your next conference or team building day, give Darren a call today, he will gladly provide you with an event to remember!

New South Wales Update

NSW has kicked off the year with a bang. The first quarter of 2008 has resulted in the opportunity to work in some fantastic locations with some excellent clients.

We are very proud to say we have worked with the majority of clients from 2007, so thankyou to everyone for your continued support. We look forward to working with you all later in the year and again next year.

One of our most rewarding programs of the year was delivering the Butterfly Bootcamp for Life Changing Experiences. The program consisted of 50 little sisters and 50 big sisters coming together for the first time at the start of the year to begin a journey that will hopefully last a lifetime. The program was designed to establish a bond between each little sister and their appointed big sister. The Bootcamp does exactly that and gives everyone involved the opportunity to interact with their peers and mentors. We would like to thank Jessica and her team at Life Changing Experiences for giving us the opportunity to be part of such a memorable program.

Also worthy of mention was a recent City Scramble for a group of 600. The purpose behind the program was to give all involved the opportunity to see the iconic sights of Sydney as the majority of participants had not previously visited Australia. Although a large group the Corporate Challenge team were very efficient and managed to control the program from start to finish. The positive feedback from participants is what drives us to keep on delivering outdoor activities of such high standard.

For all your Team Building needs in New South Wales please feel free to give either Troy or Lucas a ring for a free proposal.

Queensland Update

“What a Great Start for the Sunshine State in 2008”

Queensland has had a blinder of a start this year, posting records in February and March. The last two months have been very busy and have had quite a rush on programs such as City Scramble, Bikes for Tykes, Survivor and
Beach Olympics. Bike for Tykes is a growing program for us for example by the end of April Corporate Challenge Qld will have donated a massive 46 bikes to Charity.

Melanie Mitchell joined us peak February and has certainly lived up to the challenge. Mel brings good customer communication and gets great satisfaction from securing and hosting events. Mel has quickly become the
queen of City Scrambles.

Corporate Challenge Qld is striving to maintain this high standard with exciting new programs, new activities and new marketing plans. We have set plans to increase our relationships with Hotels, Event Planners and Theme
parks to create a simple system for Clients to book a memorable Corporate Challenge Event.

Victoria Update

It has been an amazing start to the year for CC Vic with new records being set in January, February and March for number of jobs completed. Once again there has been a wide spread of programs being completed with almost every type of program we offer being run at least once in the first quarter.

We have also had the pleasure of travelling all across Victoria to run programs in a variety of different locations and settings. Our programs this year have also had a number of exciting inclusions that have helped to make the teambuilding experience just a little bit more memorable. We have had limousines, Harley Davidson’s, bikes, rafts, and the Eureka Towers “The Edge” Experience incorporated into our programs to great effect. April and May are filing up fast so please contact us now if you would like a free proposal.

South Australia Update

Eight weeks ago Corporate Challenge appointed Craig Calliess as Manager of our South Australian Office. In this time we have completed three programs with ever increasing enquiries coming through. So far the programs we have delivered are a Great Race around Adelaide, a City Scramble and a Company Creativity. With an MI4 also booked in for this next quarter we are looking forward to growing our presence throughout out this new region.

What's new for Corporate Challenge?

The Corporate Challenge team is always creating new activities and events to meet our clients needs. We invite your involvement in the detailed design process and welcome your ideas and suggestions. Working together we are able to deliver programs that respond to specific needs, agendas and budgets.
Currently in the Corporate Challenge Workshop we are nearing completion with the following programs:

• Ground Force
• Corporate Chef
• Project Runway

Staff Profile

Name: Darren Bradey

Position in Corporate Challenge: Western Australia State Manager

Why have you chosen Corporate Teambuilding as a career:
Because its different, exciting and a challenge. No two days are the same and
I get the best of both worlds being able to work indoors and outdoors

What do you like best about your job:
There is so much variety in this job and I love the fact that I get to be creative

Favourite program and why:
Survivor because I have always loved the TV show, and the opportunity to
facilitate this program for others to enjoy is fantastic

Best experience at work:
Seeing everyone enjoying themselves and having fun, coming together as a
team and succeeding, it’s a great feeling

Your biggest asset as a corporate teambuilding facilitator:
Being relatable and flexible to the ever changing demands of the job