Discover Your Team’s Passions Through Team Building

What’s Hidden in Plain Sight?

Discover Your Team’s Passions Through Team Building

How many people on your team grow citrus as a hobby? 

 It probably depends on where they live!!! 

I delivered a team building for a group California where this came up.

Out of 30 people, 6 or 7 grew citrus! Crazy! The interesting part; This wasn't something people were trying to keep secret.  This is the hard thing about our "work" selves, we don't divulge personal information unless there is a reason to bring it up.

In another session, a group of five guys in Washington DC realized they had all adopted a dog in the last year.

In many others sessions: 

• Musicians emerged in Las Vegas - pianists, violinists, guitar players, and even composers

• Video game players and developers united in New York City

• Car lovers in Houston shared their love of their truck, sports car, and convertibles

• Countless LEGO enthusiasts shared their passion in San Francisco (Part of why I was hired most likely)

Note - these were NOT their jobs. These were hobbies, passions, and interests. 

Dale Carnegie said "To be interesting, be interested"

People get animated when they get to talk about their passions.  When done correctly in groups, this adds to the depth and dimension in which people see each other. 

When we know people better, we share more easily, are more vulnerable, more forgiving, and more open. 

The key is to make this feel natural and not forced. 

One way to do this is to ask people about weekend plans, either before or after. The key to success: Truly listen - what do people perk up about? Listen, pay attention, and probe a little when you see that sparkle ✨

Or you could have my team do this with LEGOs - which is pretty dang cool too. 

What hobby are you into that others don’t know about?

For me- there was a time I was into amateur blacksmithing.