It has become a tradition for team2lead every September: the team2lead After Summer Event.

After Summer

It has become a tradition for team2lead every September. We’re not talking about our kids going back to school or about the hot summer months coming to an end. What we look forward to in this last stretch of summer, is the team2lead After Summer Event.
Whereas our more regular team get-togethers in the team2lead headquarters fit an educational topic with a touch of conviviality in just a few hours after work, during our After Summer Event we take our time for an extended version.

Consistently on the menu:
- a thorough team meeting to update each other on our projects;
- educational workshops to focus on professional improvement for all of us;
- an active team building exercise to ensure that, even though we all have our own projects, we work
together as the team2lead team;
- a culinary evening that once more proves that team2lead consists of bon vivants.

This year, the Belgian coast was our base of operations: De Haan, a cozy seaside town with an exceptional, authentic nature.

The educational side

We started the educational part of our event with the help of Valerie Thys, a professional presenter. Her workshop ‘Spice up your presentation’ taught us the best techniques to capture the attention of our audience.
There is the power to be found in the simplest of details, Valerie told us if you just learn how to use them to your advantage: a moment of silence, a change in your pitch and tone, … Even “Be yourself” and “Think before you speak”, two classics that sometimes feel so controversial; Valerie made sure that every technique was covered, clarified, and practiced.
If one thing was clear at the end of her training, it’s that giving a presentation - or even following one - will never be the same for us ever again.

A perfect follow-up to Valerie’s topic, was a workshop by our very own Ellen Tanghe: Non-Violent Communication. Connecting with your team, your colleagues, or even with your audience, is only feasible when you avoid possible triggers or negative misinterpretations. Easy peasy, many of us thought at the start of the course, yet had to reconsider as the workshop progressed. Looking at the faces of all of our colleagues, it was clear that there was at least one eye-opening moment for each of us!

After Ellen, we welcomed Bart Van der Herten, a familiar guest for team2lead. This time, Bart taught us to focus on ‘FLOW’. How do I ensure that I am in the right flow? How do I get my audience to join me in my flow? What type of flow do I feel comfortable in? And frankly; what IS a flow?
Bart told us that flow is a very personal experience, a choice that you can adapt to the topic at hand. With his help, we learned how to find our own correct flow and even more importantly: how to get back to our flow once we find ourselves distracted from it.

The epicurean side

Filled with new knowledge and insights, it was time to clear our heads. Some of us took a refreshing dip in the pool, others went for a cycling trip through the scenic polder of De Haan, others went for a little walk or even went to shout at the waves, … a moment to ourselves in whichever way we desired, to be ready for the evening.
A cozy bistro with sea view was the perfect location for us bon vivants; a delicious meal, a soothing glass of wine, and a stunning sunset; No more focus on work, projects, learning, or self-improvement, but enjoying each other’s company in this unforgettable moment.

Morning meditation and a high bar

After a revitalizing night’s rest, our team2lead yogi Frederik Simoen led us in a different approach to the topics ‘flow’ and ‘connecting’. With a gentle yoga flow, he helped us reconnect our mind and body and find the balance within. Finding this personal balance can help you clear your mind of mental blockages, to reach the best version of yourself.

While saying our goodbyes, someone uttered that this After Summer Event was the best edition yet. The bar is high for our jubilee edition next year!

Organising such a team event can be quite the task, but seeing everyone leave the location satisfied and content, makes it all totally worth it.
Happy people, happy team, happy team2lead.

It’s all about people, have we mentioned that before?