Rhythmic shouts of “I believe that we will win!” could be heard emanating from the center of the Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. There I was, leading over 500 Comcast executives through a uniting and motivating team building drum circle. After three days of meetings, breakout groups, and strategic planning (all indoors), the crowd was eager to get outside and release some energy through the beat of the drums.
“Not only was it a great break from the conference room and a breath of fresh air (literally and figuratively), but a terrific way to get in sync with each other. All of our employees loved the tie-in to our mantra, cultural touchstones.”
Corporate events are one place where my DRUMMM team and I thrive. Studies show that rhythm events among teams encourage creativity and collaboration, improve morale, and reduce stress and burnout in the workplace.
After three years of working virtually, people were excited to be together in person. Through the drumming they were able to release the stress of the past three years, celebrate the present moment, and generate enthusiasm about what’s yet to come.
In addition to leading the group in fun and engaging interactive drumming, we also connected the experience with the company’s touchstones. Phrases like “We are People Focused” and “We are Inclusive” naturally lend themselves to driving rhythms with our typical Say It-Play It approach.
Tina DiSalvo, Corporate Culture Consultant told us at the end, “Rich (the President of Comcast Western Division) did a drum call the next day as we were closing and everyone was right back on beat on the tables. It was incredible!”
Special thanks to Mike DeMenno and Remo Inc. for supplying the drums, and co-facilitator John Yost of Rhythm Revolution for backing me up on this event!
Published:
May 22, 2023
Updated:
Aug 12, 2024