Team building activities are often met with mixed emotions – some team members eagerly anticipate the opportunity to bond with colleagues, while others feel a wave of fear and apprehension. However, we believe that the very fear that people experience is the catalyst for creating stronger, more connected teams. In this blog, we’ll explore the transformative impact of fear and fun team building activities, shedding light on how overcoming these initial reservations can lead to improved communication, enhanced teamwork, and increased productivity.
News
Navigating the Return to the Office and Mastering Remote Leadership
This year again the business landscape has witnessed a shift with companies like L’Oreal and EY recalling home-based workers back to the office. The legal arena has also played a role for the first time, with a UK court ruling requiring a home worker at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to comply with the company’s request to return to the office. As we all grapple with this transition, it’s crucial to not only weigh the pros and cons of a home-based workforce but also understand the essential skills required to master remote leadership.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Sam Hoyland
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work they’re doing on their degree apprenticeship journeys.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Amy Hunt
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work they’re doing on their higher apprenticeship journeys.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Natalia Jandrell
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work they’re doing on their degree apprenticeship journeys.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Ebner Heatley
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work they’re doing on their degree apprenticeship journeys.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Rob Pickup
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work their doing on their higher apprenticeship experiences.
Big Futures: Time to Invest in Apprenticeships
In the dynamic landscape of today’s workforce, the importance of apprenticeships cannot be overstated. As the Director of Apprenticeship provider, Call of the Wild, I am passionate about the transformative power of apprenticeships, not just for the young workforce but for individuals of all ages and at various stages in their careers. Apprenticeships are not just an entry point into the professional world; they are a pathway to continuous development, making them one of the best investments for both employees and employers alike. The time to invest in apprenticeships is now.
Higher Apprentice in Profile: Wendy Maslen
As part of our Apprenticeship Week 2024 celebrations and our ‘Big Futures’ work we’re celebrating some of our amazing apprentices and the great work they’re doing on their higher apprenticeship journeys.
Celebrating Excellence: Embrace the Power of Apprenticeships
Welcome to a week of inspiration, growth, and achievement as we proudly observe Apprenticeship Week 2024 and embrace the power of apprenticeships! This celebration is a testament to the incredible journeys of our apprentices and a reflection of the transformative impact apprenticeships can have on individuals and businesses alike.
Embracing Big Futures: A Strategic Approach to Workforce Development
Welcome to 2024 with Call of the Wild, where we are thrilled to kick off the first quarter of the year with a workforce development theme that encapsulates our vision for growth, sustainability, and success – ‘Big Futures’. In a world that’s constantly evolving, planning for the future has never been more crucial, and at the heart of that planning lies an investment in the backbone of any successful organisation – its workforce.
Emotional Intelligence for Leaders
Today, emotional intelligence has emerged as a crucial factor in the effectiveness of leaders, managers and the wider workforce. Understanding and managing emotions in oneself and others is becoming increasingly vital for fostering a productive work environment, building strong teams, and achieving sustainable organisational success. We’re exploring the significance of emotional intelligence in leaders and managers and how it can be harnessed to drive positive outcomes.
Top Tips for Successful Team Launch in 2024
To guide you in managing a triumphant start, here are top tips for a successful team launch in 2024. As we start a new year, the decisions made in these early months can set the trajectory for the entire year.
Change and the Leadership Challenge in Social Housing: Navigating the Future
The social housing sector faces unprecedented challenges, including the need for new and innovative approaches to address the changing and diverse needs of different communities. Never has the need for strong leadership been greater. Successfully navigating change requires leaders to adapt to the evolving landscape and be proactive in driving change from within. This article will examine key challenges facing the housing sector, the capability gap, the impact of hybrid working, and strategies to improve communication, morale, and performance. We will also discuss the importance of people-focused leadership, the development of strong organisational cultures, and the long-term benefits of investment in learning and development to help navigate the future.
Are We Failing Managers?
It’s well known that the success of an organisation is closely linked to the strength of its workplace culture. A positive workplace culture not only boosts employee morale but also enhances productivity, innovation, and overall business performance. The foundation of this culture begins at the top, with management playing a crucial role in shaping the work environment, but are we failing managers? A recent CMI study, conducted in partnership with YouGov, emphasises the pressing need to improve management performance and provide support for managers. We will delve into the importance of enhancing workplace culture from the top down, with a focus on managerial performance and support.
In The News: September 2023
A round-up of the latest leadership and management news:
Are UK businesses suffering from a crisis in leadership?
The Chartered Management Institute’s (CMI) CEO, HR and L&D experts share their views on how the government and businesses can better prepare leaders for the future.
Sick leave hits 10-year high in cost of living crisis
UK employees missed work for an average of 7.8 days over the past year, the highest level in over a decade, according to new research
Finding the Right Place and Head Space to Learn
3.9 million people in the UK are living with mental health conditions and with two million of those in employment there’s no denying that its impact is being felt in the workplace. Mark Soanes, a Director of learning and development specialists Call of the Wild says that finding the right place and head space to learn is crucial.
Today marks a moment in time to reflect on how employers can proactively reduce the factors that contribute to poor mental health.
Christmas Team-Building Event
The holiday season is slowly creeping up on us, and for many businesses, that means it’s time to start planning the annual office Christmas party. However, instead of viewing this event as a mere end-of-year social, consider it as a valuable opportunity to invest in both your business and your staff. At Call of the Wild, we believe that a Christmas team-building event can be more than just a festive celebration; it can be a strategic move to strengthen your team and set the stage for a successful year ahead. We’ve put together a Festive team-building programme that will help build on the successes of 2023 for a brilliant 2024 for the whole team:
Atplas Invests in the Future as Part of the AVK Group
The Managing Director of Atlantic Plastics (Atplas) has set-out his future investment and growth strategy for the Bridgend-based business as part of the global AVK Group.
Atplas was acquired by the AVK Group in June 2022 having been first established in 1974 to manufacture water meter boxes for the UK water industry. The company moved to its current site on Brackla Industrial Estate in Bridgend in 1995 and now occupies 11,000 square feet of space and employs 165.
Empowering Teams for Innovation
Cultivating a culture of innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessity for survival and growth. It’s also not something that happens overnight, but takes work. Everyday. And empowering teams for innovation has to come from the top. In this blog, we’ll delve into key strategies and insights that can transform your teams into innovation powerhouses.
Adapting to Change and Uncertainty
Change and uncertainty have become the norm rather than the exception, and the ability to navigate these challenges is more vital than ever. On a daily basis we’re seeing clients struggle to steer their teams through these uncharted waters. This blog post is tailored to provide you with invaluable insights, proven strategies, and actionable steps to help you navigate these unpredictable waters and aid you in adapting to change and uncertainty with confidence and effectiveness.
Building a Culture of Trust in Your Organisation
One of the most crucial aspects of building a successful organisation is cultivating a culture of trust. Trust forms the foundation upon which teams thrive, employees excel, and businesses flourish. Trust takes time to build and nurture as part of the culture of trust within an organisation.
The Power of Shared Experiences in Team Building
In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, successful teams are the backbone of every thriving organisation. These teams are not merely a collection of individuals working together but rather a cohesive unit bound by shared experiences that foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding. The power of shared experiences in team building cannot be underestimated, as they play a pivotal role in strengthening relationships, promoting effective communication, and ultimately driving team success. We explore the significance of shared experiences in team building, backed by research from the Yale University study titled “Shared Experiences Are Amplified” (Boothby, Clark, & Bargh, 2014).