TO foster camaraderie and in effect better the interpersonal ties and relationships of its employees, Panay News conducts a team building activity every year – seeing its vital role in improving the general climate of the workplace.
The activity is done every year as the Panay News leadership’s way of showing how much it values its employees – in the same way that it values its readers and advertisers.
That is why on Dec. 23, 2017, Panay News sought the services of the Goducate Training Center located in San Miguel, Iloilo – through its GoTeams PH team building team composed of Mary Joy Decatoria, Eunice Marie Serilo, and Joemer Decatoria – for a one-day synergy building activity.
The program was held at Panay News’ plant site in Barangay Mali-ao, Pavia, Iloilo.
The No.1 regional daily’s staff members and employees were put to the test through fun and enjoyable, yet puzzling and physically-challenging activities.
Among the activities GoTeams PH prepared were “Blind Construction,” “A-Z Frisbee,” “Minefield,” “Guterball,” and “One Direction” group challenges.
Solving the puzzles and tasks GoTeams PH concocted required intellect, grit, and cooperation – testing and bringing out the strengths and weaknesses of Panay News’ employees, and fostering a sense of trust and fellowship among them.
In the “Blind Construction” challenge, groups were tasked to work together to arrange a series of objects into a specific layout – reminding employees of the need to clearly know the Panay News’ purpose, mission and vision, which has championed its sustained reign as the leading regional newspaper.
In the sporty “A-Z Frisbee” task –where an ultimate Frisbee disk had to be passed around in specific succession without being dropped – participants learned to be open to helping their co-workers when they fail or find it difficult to accomplish a challenge.
“Minefield” – which involved teams blindly navigating a space full of “bombs” ready to explode – tested employees’ problem-solving skills, teaching them to know and fully understand their own role in the group, and following the designated leader’s directions so all could accomplish the task unscathed.
Meanwhile, the relay race “Guterball” imparted the need to trust your co-workers as “One Direction” shared how to embrace inclusive decision-making to achieve a goal.
The team building activity proved successful as Panay News employees were given the time and opportunity to bond, exchange ideas, and have some fun quality time with each other.
Through the activity, the staff were refreshed on their responsibilities and roles as employees of the No. 1 regional daily.
Attesting to the affectivity of the one-day team building is Panay News journalist Ian Paul Cordero.
Cordero said that the activity proved that communication is the number one factor needed to achieve victory. Communication is vital in accomplishing all the goals of Panay News – when co-workers and team members freely and effectively communicate with each other, work seems to get done faster and more easily.
“If there is good communication within the employees, there will also be better teamwork in achieving the goals,” said Cordero./PN
***
This article was first published in print on April 6, 2018.
