Unlocking your team’s potential: the power of away days

With fast paced demands and hybrid working, the opportunity to step back, reflect, and reconnect as a team is more important than ever. Team away days aren’t just a break from routine: they’re an investment in your team’s culture and collective success. Done right, they’re also really good fun.   And I believe fun is one of the most underused ways to enhance fulfillment and productivity at work. 

Why team away days matter

Away days provide a dedicated space for teams to:

• Strengthen connections: build trust and collaboration by fostering open communication in a relaxed environment. Hybrid working is great, but nothing replaces some face-to-face time together.
• Reignite motivation: a chance to step away from daily pressures to refocus on shared goals and values.
• Tackle challenges: address key issues such as integrating new team members, navigating change, or improving communication or other ways of working.
• Foster innovation: fresh perspectives emerge when teams are given the space to think creatively and explore new ideas in a different setting.

Defining your team’s mission

A clear mission statement – defining your team’s purpose, business, and values – is essential for creating a sense of shared identity within a team.  In this team away day, I guide teams in reflecting on their ‘big picture’ outcomes and their team values so they can all align around a clear direction and shared goals.

Focusing on your own team’s part in the wider organisation’s mission is a really motivating exercise, and it gives your team a say in the culture they want to work in. Once you’ve crafted your purpose and values, I invite the team to come up with new ways of working to really embed those values and how you want to operate.  The wealth of creative, practical ideas this exercise generates is always impressive and I love hearing about how teams are implementing and benefiting from these initiatives after the event. 

Adapting to change and embracing opportunity

Another reason organisations turn to me for an away day is to support teams facing significant transitions – such as restructuring, changes in leadership or adapting to new policies. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they’re also opportunities to:

• Reflect on what’s worked in the past and what hasn’t.
• Define a shared vision for the future.
• Build resilience and adaptability within the team.

My approach acknowledges the complexities of change, helping teams navigate uncertainty and rediscover and build on their strengths.  For example, a recent client – a public sector legal team – was struggling to unite after a restructure. Through carefully crafted activities and reflections, I helped them explore their shared values, address cultural differences, and build a stronger foundation for collaboration.

Exploring communication styles

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful team.  I offer team away days based on Merrill & Reid’s Social Styles model to help teams understand and adapt to different communication preferences. By identifying whether individuals are more Analytical, Driver, Amiable or Expressive, teams can:

• enhance collaboration and build stronger relationships by appreciating diverse perspectives,
• increase self-awareness about your personal impact, 
• develop your flexibility and influencing skills with colleagues and clients

My communication styles workshop is a powerful tool for enhancing team dynamics, working effectively with clients, and ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.  Teams also really enjoy the event. 

Team building activities 

Sometimes teams simply want a team-building event to refocus energies, refresh face-to-face relationships and have an opportunity to come together and renew team dynamics.  I can offer fun, practical activities that fit your team’s needs. 

A typical Clear Skies team away day

At Clear Skies Training, I design every away day bespoke to your objectives. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Understanding your needs: I start by understanding your team’s challenges and goals.
2. Tailored activities: I create a programme that suits your objectives, from reflective exercises to more dynamic team-building activities.
3. Actionable outcomes: participants leave with practical tools, clearer communication, and a renewed sense of purpose.
4. Fun: team away days should be fun as well as practical so you can always expect some lively, interactive stuff which I promise is actually enjoyable!

Beyond the away day

The impact of a great team away day extends beyond the event itself. Teams return to work:

• with improved morale and energy 
• with a greater sense of team identity and having refreshed team relationships.
• equipped with tools and new ideas about how to manage challenges more effectively.

Ready to invest in your team?

Whether your team is looking to improve collaboration, navigating change, or simply in need of some time together away from daily work routines, I can offer you a tailored, empowering and enjoyable team away day.  Get in touch to discuss what your team is looking for and I’d love to help.