Gather Your Team

Teamwork for the Win

There’s something magical about bringing people together with one purpose: to connect, celebrate, and feel like part of something greater. I recently experienced this firsthand at a phenomenal event hosted at the Broadmoor, one of the nation’s most luxurious mountain resorts. Picture it: a crisp night in December, a fresh layer of snow on the peaks, and an elegant setup under the twinkling lights of this iconic venue. It was the perfect setting for a one-of-a-kind evening—the Chef’s Social.

At this retreat, 40 of the world’s top consultants and their partners arrived dressed in their best, yet they quickly transformed with custom-embroidered aprons and crisp chef hats. Led by myself, my Game On teammates, and renowned wellness experts Drs. Chris and Kara Mohr, we created a full-blown cooking competition. Part game show, part team-building exercise, it was a joyful mix of chopping, blending, laughing, and cheering each other on as these high achievers embraced a healthy cooking challenge. And when the avocado key lime pie won the night? The entire room echoed with applause.

But the evening didn’t end with cooking. After dinner, we hit the dance floor, diving into an epic dance party filled with “elder Gen X” favorites from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. It was like the best high school dance you can imagine—only this time, everyone was here to celebrate each other. That’s the thing about gatherings like this: they reveal the true nature of connection. At the top, it’s not about competing. High achievers know the power of supporting one another, of lifting each other up. When people trust each other, the competition fades, and it becomes about collaboration and joy. And that’s why, more than ever, gathering your team for connection is essential.

The Power of Purpose-Driven Connection

Gathering for connection isn’t just a break from routine; it’s an investment in your people. Purpose-driven gatherings like this don’t just “boost morale”—they transform it. When a team comes together in an environment focused solely on connection, something amazing happens. Walls come down, people open up, and those usually reserved start to find their voice. Suddenly, a team isn’t just a group of coworkers; they’re allies, supporters, and, sometimes, even friends.

Purpose-driven gatherings, whether it’s a retreat, an off-site, or even a celebration dinner, do more than bring everyone into one room. They remind team members of the organization’s commitment to them, reaffirming what it means to be a part of the brand. When teams experience moments of joy and unity, loyalty skyrockets. These events build a company culture that people want to be part of, encouraging both loyalty and pride.

And let’s be honest—the impact extends beyond the event itself. When you gather people to celebrate and connect, you’re reinforcing the company’s mission in a way that sticks with them. It’s a reminder that they’re not just here to work; they’re here to be part of something meaningful. That feeling of connection is one of the best long-term investments an organization can make.

A New Approach to Team Connection: Micro-Gatherings for Maximum Impact

In today’s age of disconnection, investing in connection has never been more valuable. This isn’t about re-allocating real estate budgets or structuring fully remote teams, although that’s a side benefit for some companies. This is about creating intentional moments of connection in an increasingly distributed work world. For companies with remote or dispersed teams, micro-gatherings—both live and virtual—become powerful opportunities to unite everyone under a shared purpose.

These micro-gatherings don’t have to be grand or costly to have impact. They can be small, purpose-driven events that focus on unity, brand culture, and connection. Picture a two-day gathering every quarter, where your team comes together to reset, reconnect, and recharge. For distributed teams, it could be a mix of in-person and virtual meet-ups, all with a thoughtful agenda that balances meaningful connection with manageable screen time.

Whether live or virtual, these gatherings provide a rare moment when teams can step back from their daily responsibilities and engage with the people they’re working alongside. It’s a shift from the usual routine, and it gives everyone a chance to contribute, collaborate, and be reminded that they’re part of something bigger.

Day-to-Day Work + Connection-Only Gatherings

It’s easy to think that daily work interactions are enough to sustain a sense of team connection, but there’s something uniquely transformative about gatherings dedicated solely to connection. The contrast is stark. In the day-to-day flow, conversations are often transactional, focused on tasks and deadlines. Gatherings, on the other hand, are about stepping out of the routine, letting the focus shift to joy, creativity, and unity.

In these connection-only spaces, creativity and innovation flourish. People feel more open to sharing their ideas, exploring new solutions, and looking at challenges from fresh perspectives. It’s a bit like a massively multiplayer, real-life game—everyone is here to connect, share, and build something memorable together.

While micro-connection moments throughout the workday do play a role, there’s something profoundly different about these big gatherings. They take team-building to another level, creating shared memories that go far beyond the Zoom call or quick email check-in. They create a kind of camaraderie and solidarity that simply can’t be replicated in routine office interactions.

OK, Let’s Play: Making the Most of Team Gatherings

Team gatherings have the power to strengthen bonds, spark creativity, and remind people why they love being part of your team. Ready to turn your next team gathering into something unforgettable? Here’s how to make the most of it.

Ready: Remember that gathering for connection has immense power to strengthen your team and build long-term loyalty.

Set: Plan with purpose; consider themed events or activities that let everyone participate and contribute equally.

Go:

• Encourage Collaboration, Not Competition: Design events that bring people together rather than setting them against one another. When collaboration is the focus, people open up and support each other.
• Add a Touch of Celebration: Good food, great music, and a little atmosphere can make a world of difference. Create a space that feels special and allows people to relax and enjoy themselves.
• Capture the Moment: Whether through photos, shared stories, or a recap message, document these moments so team members remember how valued they are.
• Keep the Energy Going Post-Retreat: Encourage connections to extend beyond the gathering, helping the positive momentum carry into daily work.

When’s the Best Time to Gather Your Team? Right Now.

If you’re not hosting a team gathering at the end of the year or right at the start of the next, you’re missing a crucial opportunity. End-of-year and new-year gatherings are ideal for setting the tone, celebrating wins, and refreshing the team’s energy for what’s ahead. But here’s the truth: any time is a great time to bring people together. The benefits of gathering are always there—stronger loyalty, boosted motivation, and a deeper sense of connection to the organization.

When you prioritize connection, you’re investing in people’s sense of belonging, pride, and long-term loyalty. It’s a reminder that this is more than just a job; it’s a place where they’re valued, celebrated, and excited to contribute. So, whether it’s at the year’s end, a mid-year pick-me-up, or a quarterly retreat, gathering your team is one of the most powerful ways to keep the spark alive.

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, author of UPLIFTED WEEKLY and your friendly consultant, facilitator, and game-based educator on-call, bringing a passion and penchant for all things play (I’m also alliteratively all-in). As the founder of Leaders Uplifted, I help leaders like you tap into creativity, connection, and confidence to make work feel less like a grind and more like a game. Keep reading with me— I’m here to be your business best friend. Let's go!