Team Building – by Climbing Walls, Shooting Each Other and Potting Balls into Holes

On Monday, me and my work colleagues went on a night out to do some fun activities – rock climbing, laser quest and golf. At first, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t excited about it. For some reason, I thought it would be awkward or that I’d be so bad at everything that I’d go in a mood like the over-competitive person that I am. But that wasn’t the case at all. We all got along so well, having banter and getting to know one another more than we are allowed to whilst working. I really think we did need it.

So first was rock climbing. I’ve been rock climbing a few times before and I’ve always been quite good at it. It’s challenging but ever-so fulfilling when you reach the top. My stomach churned as I looked down at my friends, but when I saw how far I’d come, I was proud.

I know it’s lame and cliché but it showed me that being scared of something but going along and doing it anyway is when big accomplishments happen. Plus, it was a great bonding moment. To hear my colleagues cheering me on as I climbed felt so good. It’s rare that people you work with can actually become friends, so I do feel lucky.

Next was Laser Quest. Now I haven’t played Laser Quest since I was a little girl, about 11 or 12. I did think that I’d be too old to enjoy it now, but my god once I had the gun in my head, I felt liberated!

I was energised and pumped, ready and raring to shoot my colleagues. It was boys versus girls, and each team had their own strategies. The girls kind of stuck together, whereas the boys kind of sunk deep into Call of Duty mode and went around solo. But it was so fun! I was running around, ducking and hiding whilst awakening my inner sniper as I killed people from afar. It was great! The boys won in the end but it was a close game and I’d love to play again with other people.

Lastly was golf. By this time, we were all so tired and sweaty from the first two activities that we were happy to calm things down with the golf. We split off into three teams of four and I was happy with my team. The girls and I had a good laugh at each other’s expense, as our golfing skills weren’t exactly up there with Tiger Woods. But I played better than I had done before, so I was proud. Plus, we didn’t care much for scores anyway. We just enjoyed each other’s company, winding down. I think we hit a hole in one with the team building goal. (Sorry for the poor analogy aha, I just couldn’t help myself.)

All in all, I feel better about my colleagues now. I feel better about myself too. As not a particularly confident person, I was very happy with how the evening went. People aren’t so scary, and being a kid again when hanging out with them can be enlightening. Peace out.

~ Damsel