A successful team is more than the sum of its parts, is one of the sayings that best illustrates teamwork, as well as any successful company, enterprise, agency… In order for our team to be more connected, stronger, and more successful, it is necessary for us to know each other well and trust each other, but also to laugh out loud together, and hand in hand embark on various adventures and adrenaline “shocks”.
That’s why the Smart Vision team, this year as well as in all previous years, embarked on a team building journey “sharpened” to have a good time, face fears, and get to know better the new members of our team who joined us since New Year’s Eve. And why? Because psychology as a science constantly reminds us that people’s ability to cooperate and live and work together, in a collective, is one of our greatest strengths as social beings.
Games Without Borders
The ethno household “Zornića kuća” was the ideal first stop on our journey because besides the fact that our kind hosts fed us well and provided exquisite drinks, they also offered us one of their spacious meadows to compete in our own version of “Games Without Borders,” where friends from the Spin team tested our knowledge of each other, as well as our concentration, fitness, physical readiness, and team spirit in various challenges which, among other things, involved “battle” with a hula hoop, bow and arrow… Laughter to tears, “harsh” competition among teams, and the occasional bruise (but no worries when there’s a little butter to fix it), were the epilogue of our Bacevac adventures that we still reminisce about.
In line with the good old tradition, until their arrival at the airport, the “Smartians” didn’t know what their next stop would be and for which destination they packed their suitcases, so the suspense reached its peak in front of the arrivals and departures board at Belgrade’s “Nikola Tesla” airport. Bergamo was the solution to this year’s team building puzzle, but only briefly, because this Italian town was just the landing place of our plane.
“The most beautiful thing about teamwork is that you always have others by your side.”
After overcoming yet another challenge upon arrival in Bergamo – summer storms of monsoon strength and rain resembling a biblical flood, we arrived at our destination! Lake Garda already thrilled us in the morning, at sunrise, with its hospitality, breathtaking nature, and one of its most famous attractions – Gardaland! Amusement parks are our “back to basic,” as it is one of the favorite activities of our team members, and often the place where fears of height and speed are overcome. It was the same this time because there is no better place, nor way, than to sit on a roller coaster hand in hand with colleagues with whom we usually spend the most time, look at each other, and encourage each other. And then, with screams and laughter, we conquered all, absolutely ALL, roller coasters and rides in this fantastic theme park at dizzying speed. Because, once again, the psychology of teamwork reminds us that when individuals join forces towards a common goal – they can achieve extraordinary results that surpass what anyone could achieve alone.
Every cook to his own…
Italian cuisine is one of the most beloved in the world, and delicious, creamy pasta is one of everyone’s favorite dishes. That’s why, this year as well, we decided to improve our culinary skills, and for colleagues who would continue to only (and exclusively) hold phones, mice, and keyboards in their hands, we handed them – a rolling pin. Everything is always easier and more enjoyable in company, and the desire to win can’t hurt, so armed with aprons and divided into two teams, we were up to the task and made excellent homemade pasta. Some made farfalle with pesto, others tagliatelle in tomato sauce. And besides learning something new, we had a blast and ate well, and since we returned from the trip, the benefits of our culinary battles have been enjoyed by our family and friends. How? By learning that for the best homemade pasta dish you need: 100 grams of soft flour, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one egg, and for each additional serving – simply double the quantities (200g flour, two tablespoons oil, and two eggs).
And domestic retail chains of technology “benefited” from our team building, as all quantities of pasta machines and pasta cutters were “cleared” from the shelves upon our return.
And here’s another (some unexpected) benefit of team building – those who cooked, further developed their skills, and those who were afraid of cooking and preparing – dared to take on this task with newly discovered enthusiasm and the wind in their sails, which, among other things, was instilled by the diploma of successfully completing an Italian cuisine course.
High in the Alps
Along with roller coasters, pizza and pasta, espresso and cappuccino, Limoncello and Aperol Spritz, unforgettable sunsets and the sounds of the waves of Lake Garda, we managed to climb Monte Baldo. One of the peaks of the Alpine mountain range, known as the “roof of Europe,” at an altitude of 1,760 meters above sea level was the cherry on top of our team building cake.
With a gondola that rotates to offer a 360-degree view, in order to observe the beauty of the lake and this mountain wreath from every angle, we reached Monte Baldo and, intoxicated by the fresh mountain air, enjoyed the view of the entire lake and still snow-white peaks that stretched all around. Just like when we tackle every task at work, together we conquered this ascent, and we arrived in Belgrade richer for yet another new experience, prouder for facing and overcoming some fears, and more convinced that together we can do anything.
And you know what else is great? That we can organize the same kind of trip for you too, because Smart Vision knows where the fun is!
