The festival meal that replaced our team-building activity
Team-building activities are usually organized at corporate offsites: trust falls, obstacle courses, workshops, problem solving games. However, we have learned in one of our MICEcafe Journey retreats that the mere act of having a meal together could open deeper bonding than an activity scheduled. The experience has brought to light the role of food-led bonding, culture, and incentive story in transforming the meaning of team-building. The retreat was accompanied by a local harvest festival during which the community was united to cook traditional food. At first, our group had an intended program of the typical activities: a morning workshop, group problem-solving session, and afternoon team game. Nevertheless, as we approached the festival venue, we had a different impression because of food that had been cooked not long ago, bright colors of local decorations, and the cheerful rhythm of the celebration. What ensued was a strong teaching on practical experience and cultural invol...