How Creative Team Builders Elevated evolvedMD's All-Hands Retreat
“I came in as a skeptic. What are we doing writing a song? But the experience was awesome. It gave us a good chance to connect with our people, and the end product was really cool and totally represented the company. Now, I’m a believer.” – Erik Osland, Co-CEO of EvolvedMD
In today's fast-paced corporate world, fostering strong connections and unleashing creativity within your team are keys to success. The story of evolvedMD, a company leading the integration of behavioral health services in modern primary care, serves as an inspiring example of how effective team building can lead to a powerful outcomes.
As evolvedMD pursued ambitious goals and nurtured a dynamic company culture, they recognized the need for an exceptional all-hands retreat to bring their managers together in a meaningful way. This journey began with Sentari Minor, Vice President of Strategy and Chief of Staff, who sought the expertise of Artistic Leadership founder and chief artist, Tiffany Thompson.
Meeting the Client's Needs
Tiffany was entrusted with a significant role in the retreat, with two hours of the eight-hour event dedicated to her Song Rite experience. The objectives for this portion of the retreat were crystal clear:
1. Connect the Team to the Company Mission: The company has big goals and needs the team to be really aligned moving into the new year.
2. Inspire a Winning Spirit: Boost team morale and motivation to enhance overall team output.
3. Build Strong Connections Between Employees: Forge meaningful bonds among leaders from different sectors within the company.
To address these needs, Tiffany proposed deploying a writing prompt that encouraged participants to recall moments of personal victory and success. Sentari embraced this idea, putting the rest of the design and execution in Tiffany's capable hands.
Experience Design for Deeper Connections
Tiffany's innovative approach involved dividing the allocated two hours into two distinct sections. She started the day with a 90-minute session, employing her creative writing pedagogy. This process encouraged individual reflection and small group interactions, aligning seamlessly with evolvedMD's pre-existing culture of carving out time for reflection and journaling.
During the small group sessions, team members delved into storytelling, exploring the details of their colleagues' experiences. The emotional impact was palpable, as participants shared personal stories, shedding tears and sharing laughter.
As the 90-minute session concluded, teams texted Tiffany their lyrics, ranging from tentative to boisterous. A pivotal moment arrived as Tiffany led a conversation about the tone of the song they would create. The team was sharply divided, with some favoring a serious and anthemic tone while others leaned towards a joyful and welcoming approach. In response, Tiffany made a bold decision to craft two distinct songs during the afternoon.
Retreating to a company conference room, Tiffany devoted five hours to meticulously crafting the lyrics and ideas for the two songs.
The Powerful Outcome
The day culminated in the presentation of the two songs to the team. The response was nothing short of extraordinary, with cheers echoing through the room. The team found themselves torn between the two contrasting tones, sparking a robust discussion about how tone affects their workplace environment and outcomes.
Ultimately, the retreat received unanimous acclaim. “Today was amazing,” proclaimed Sentari. “I loved seeing Tiffany bring creativity into a space with people who started out skeptical, showing how we could come together and create, together.”
The creative team-building experience achieved more than its intended objectives—it left a lasting impact on the participants. The songs created during the retreat serve as a testament to the transformational power of creativity.
Conclusion
EvolvedMD's remarkable journey illustrates the transformative power of creative team building. If your company is searching for a team-building provider to strengthen connections, ignite creativity, and unite your team, consider the lessons learned from this case study.
Effective team building can empower your team, align them with your company's mission, and boost morale, resulting in enhanced performance and a more vibrant company culture. Connect with Artistic Leadership today to embark on your journey of transformation and discover how creative team building can elevate your organization to new heights, and new notes.
Listen and Read the Songs Below
Power in the Pivot
Darkness always comes before dawn,
That’s what they taught me when I was young.
I learned that darkness is blacker than night,
But I also learned to trust my friends in the fight.
It doesn’t matter if we break the plan,
Cause we know where we’re going, we know where to land.
We’re turning silence into sound,
Pain into relief, feelings of loneliness into community,
Like a bunch of caged birds set free,
It’s subtle evolution, but it’s happening quickly.
There’s power and risk in the pivots,
Every change is a chance to show your commitments.
I look within to find my anchor,
And look around at all you change makers.
It doesn’t matter if we break the plan,
Cause we know where we’re going, we know where to land.
Pushing against strife,
Feel the future re-defined,
I’ve got the grit to compete,
And a team no one can beat.
We Belong Here
It doesn’t matter if we break the plan,
I already know where we’re gonna land.
It doesn’t matter what the challenge is,
We already know that we deserve this.
Peace spilled out and filled the room,
Thousands of seeds burst into full bloom.
Take a look around and in the mirror,
Heads held high above all the fear.
Shut out the noise,
Transcend with poise,
Ready to evolve,
Ready to solve.
Any problem we face,
Any risk we chase,
Whatever happens,
When we get there,
Remember,
We belonged here.
We’re change makers, making change,
Local superheroes, leading the way.
Life’s a hard journey, filled with strife,
But we’ve got support to finish the climb.
Even when I have to run through hostile heat,
Nostrils flaring, my spirit beats,
I’m transcending, redefining,
Fighting to open up new possibilities.