Career service and diversity as a strength in the Giant Mountains

In June 2018, employees traveled to Niedamirów in the Polish Karkonosze Mountains for a joint professional development week organized by the Career Services and Diversity as a Strength projects.

The workshop had two goals: First, team development was fostered through various activities such as a daily morning meeting, a hike incorporating elements of group dynamics, and special exercises led by coach and martial arts instructor Thomas Hönel.

Second, the goal was to provide background knowledge on the topics of group dynamics and teamwork in order to professionalize their own work with groups and teams. The following topics were covered: the formation of groups, processes and roles within groups, conflicts, and leadership in groups. Organizational consultant Stefanie Siemon guided participants through these topics.

The training week was complemented by self- and peer-assessments of the participants using the Belbin Team Roles test. In this way, each participant received feedback regarding their own team role, their potential, and suggestions for development.

In summary, the joint training week was a complete success for all participants thanks to the in-depth and hands-on input on the topics of team development, group dynamics, and teamwork, as well as the wonderful location of Dom Parada in Niedamirów.