Coming Soon - NEXTeams - 'The Next Step in Team Development'

While technology continues to make the world more interconnected, internal workings of organizations both large and small seem more and more disconnected. This disconnect can be caused by a number of factors - ironically the technology that propels us forward being one of them... The disconnect can have one or multiple causes, from a simple misunderstanding between two employees to a misinterpretation of the overall mission of the organization. Whatever the reasons, and whatever the problems, organizations often benefit from the help of mediation and facilitation. NEXTeams is a company whose mission is to get to the root of an organization's internal and external challenges, identify these barriers to success, working within teams to map out a strategy for overcoming the adversity, and helping the organization implement the plan. Combining goals/needs assessment and personality testing, with expert facilitation and experiential education tools, NEXTeams is the Next Step in Team Development.

Over the next month, I will be posting regular updates on the creation of this unique team development program, and I welcome any feedback from clients, professional facilitators, and anyone interested.

Stay tuned!

ARTBA Portables

Had another great Portable Team Challenge event with American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) last week. The group was made up of project managers from around the country, and their goal was to get to know each other better, learn effective communication skills, and build trust. Although they were a pretty high functioning group, they were also willing to really share during the debriefs following each activity. Naturally, this helped make the experience more than just a fun event...

Caving with Talbot Park Baptist Church

Wow! Great trip last weekend with the kids from Talbot Park Baptist Church. The kids had a great time, worked well together, weren't afraid to get a little wet and dirty... It doesn't get any better than that.

We got a couple of great shots of "the Wedding Cake" a flowstone structure in the upper chamber of the cave. Here's one that gives you an idea of the size. This structure grew from minerals deposited through a seam in the ceiling of the cave.

Here's a happy caver coming out of a hole down in the "Popcorn Room." Popcorn, or 'cave coral' is made when a mixture of minerals and moisture are squeezed through a porous rock. Once the moisture is released, it feeds the growth of a coral-like mineral deposit which vaguely resembles popcorn.

Finally we have a picture of ice stalactites and stalagmites growing near the entrance to Indian Cave. The icicles are very similar to actual speleotherms, and give us a great idea of how the amazing structures grow underground...