A Break to Move Forward: Reflecting on Our September 2024 Team Retreat

As a manager, it is crucial to know when to take a break—not just individually, but as a team—to move forward more effectively together. On September 19, I had the pleasure of organizing a team retreat— a day where we sat aside our daily tasks to focus on what really matters: collaboration, listening, and personal development.

The role of a manager has changed significantly, especially since the pandemic. Today, it’s no longer just about supervising employees but also about listening, showing empathy, and managing everyone’s diverse needs. Each team member has different goals and interests at work. Being a manager, for me, is much more than just managing employees. It’s about managing “mini-brands”—unique individuals with their own colors, goals, and journeys. This means understanding and supporting these diverse paths while fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

Moreover, organizing a team retreat requires extra effort as a manager, but the rewards are well worth it. It’s not just about logistics but about creating an experience that promotes personal growth, strengthens collaboration, and leaves room for fun. It’s a way to give back to the exceptional team that works so hard every day. A retreat is not just a break; it’s an investment in the people who drive our success.

63% of Canadian companies are actively investing in the well-being of their employees, recognizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for development and talent retention. These investments include mental health programs, retirement plans, and other benefits.* Furthermore, about 44% of Canadian managers regularly survey their employees’ satisfaction to improve their work environment and enhance engagement.**

This day wasn’t just an out-of-office event. It was an opportunity to get to know each other better, explore the different facets of each person, and strengthen our ability to work together. As General Director, organizing personal development activities and sports games may seem outside my usual responsibilities. Yet, for me, investing in my employees is a priority because beyond technical skills, it’s the human relationships and team cohesion that allow us to tackle everyday challenges.

We took the time to engage in friendly activities, laugh together, and discover surprising aspects of our colleagues. Through these shared moments, we strengthened our bonds and developed a better understanding of our individual and collective strengths.

A big thank you to Lyne Marie Germain, CPQC, for her session on Positive Leadership and recognizing our inner saboteurs! It was an eye-opening experience that highlighted how we can become better leaders by acknowledging and overcoming the internal barriers that hold us back.

I also had the pleasure of leading a session on effective communication using the DISC profiles, our famous color profiles, helping our teams better understand and adapt their communication styles with each other, as well as with our dear clients and partners. Thanks also to Rudy Nassar and Camille St-Georges for their valuable contributions to this event.

The cherry on top was the peaceful location of our retreat📍Cap St-Jacques Park, Kirkland, in the west end of Montreal Island.

Investing in employees also means giving them the space to get to know themselves, grow, and fully contribute to the company’s mission. This day was a perfect example of that investment, and I am proud of the dynamic we continue to build together.

Thank you, team, for participating with authenticity and big smiles.

Fanny Mooijekind
General Manager – DAC Group Montreal