Running a business is not just about crunching numbers and meeting targets; it's also about fostering a strong team dynamic and creating a shared vision. That's why I recently organised a 2-day corporate retreat for the entire SMART team at Phillip Island, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.
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We kicked off our retreat with a visit to the fairy penguins. Watching these tiny creatures travel in packs for safety reminded us of the importance of teamwork in achieving our goals. It was a powerful metaphor that set the tone for the rest of our time together.
During our retreat, we ran brainstorming workshops and breakout sessions within our business units. These sessions allowed us to dive deep into our challenges and opportunities, sparking new ideas and strategies to do better business. The discussions were insightful and engaging, and it was inspiring to see everyone contribute their thoughts and perspectives.
During one of our brainstorming sessions, a junior team member was able to help me more clearly articulate a business goal that I had been pondering for some time but had not quite landed on. Their fresh perspective and keen insights provided the missing piece of the puzzle, leading to a breakthrough moment for our team.
This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of engaging and connecting with your team. Junior team members, often overlooked
in traditional business settings, can be a rich source of ideas and innovation. By creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to
contribute, we can tap into a wealth of untapped potential within our team.
One of the unique aspects of our retreat was the emphasis on shared experiences. We cooked and prepared a BBQ together, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Our fully stocked fridge and pantry, along with a coffee machine and fresh juicer, kept our minds sharp and energised throughout the day.
We also took advantage of the beautiful surroundings, going for walks by the beach and enjoying the fresh sea air. These moments of relaxation were essential for rejuvenating our spirits and fostering creativity.
One of the most enjoyable activities was the Masterchef-style meal challenge. We were split into teams and tasked with creating meals that were scored by the remaining team members who tasted them. Our team members all seem to be quite competitive, so this challenge was approached with such positive energy! It was a fun and delicious way to showcase our creativity, and another opportunity to collaborate in teams that we may not usually work in.
We capped off our retreat with a bonfire, where we enjoyed wine, conversation, and laughter. It was a perfect way to unwind and reflect on our time together, building bonds that will last long after the retreat ended.
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As a business owner, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations and overlook the valuable insights that your team can provide. Our retreat was a refreshing reminder that our team, when well engaged and connected, is a powerful resource that can help identify gaps or sweet spots in our business that we may have overlooked.
Overall, our 2-day corporate retreat at Phillip Island was a resounding success. It brought our team closer together, reignited our passion
for our work, and gave us a fresh perspective on how we can continue to grow and succeed as a business. I can't wait to see the positive
impact it will have on our team and our business in the months to come.
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SMART Business Solutions is proud to announce its recognition as the winner of Excellence in Local Community Connection (Medium–Large Business) and Excellence in Access and Inclusion at the 2025 Mornington Peninsula Business Excellence Awards.
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