|
Corporate/Team Testimonials
|
"Having the opportunity to share with colleagues one's passion about the job leads to deeper
connections within the work team. You leave with a greater appreciation of your co-workers
commitment and a clearer understanding of what is important to them - what they value"
Bette Emery, Social Worker
"Leave preconceived notions at the door. Come prepared to express/explore your experiences
through art. This experience was absolutely fantastic; way more than decorating or
drawing. You don't have to know anything about painting to participate in this project! Let's
do another"
Louise Kashuba R.N.
|
Team I.B.M. - Victoria B.C.
|
Painting Parties for Men, Women, Staff & Clients - One Man's Experience
One Spring day my wife asked me if I thought our office staff would be interested in
participating in a "painting party". After she showed me the information sheet and described
what was likely to be involved, my first reaction was to calmly distance myself from any
definitive answer. My hope was that time would result in the idea dying a quiet death. I'd be
off the hook.
The idea did not go away and soon enough I was being asked again. Knowing I could not escape, I
decided to ask my business partner if he thought it might be of interest. He's a rugby guy so I
knew that "art" was the furthest thing from his mind. Well........I was wrong. He thought it
would be great. He felt that we should invite both clients and staff and that there would be
enough interest to create two teams.
Well, if this brawny rugby guy thought this was a good idea, maybe I was just a little insecure
with my own manlihood. I set aside my personal reservations and promptly undertook to invite
participation. It quickly became clear that although the ladies showed the most open and
uninhibited interest, the men were also prepared to participate. I was quickly over subscribed
and was faced with having to make cuts. This was a far different outcome than I had expected.
A couple of weeks later we all met at the appointed location. It was apparent that we were all
feeling a little "out of our element". This feeling was not restricted to the men, the women
were also nervous. After all, our artistic ineptitude was about to be exposed.
Well it turned out to be a great experience! With a little help (maybe a lot of help) from
Summer and the other 'real' artists, we produced two paintings that we could be proud to take
home.
In talking to our clients and staff both during and after the event, they consistently made
similar comments. Each of us were nervous about:
- being exposed
- failing miserably
- not being able to contribute
- producing something that people couldn't understand
- spilling paint on each other
In the end, we all found we had something to add to the canvas.
From an employer's point of view, I could see that our staff enjoyed the new relationship
they had with each other. The event also had a very positive affect on our relationship
with our clients. It was a team building experience.
Rick Thrall
Managing Partner
LandLink Consulting Ltd.
|
