These businesses frequently look for a secluded destination after such experiences. They look for a destination where the total group can be the focus of attention. They want to form a community and have common experiences outside the meeting room that make their meetings more powerful. This doesn't mean that everyone is in lockstep during their free time. It does mean that the free time opportunities encourage us to focus on ourselves and our team relationships. And this means that the team coordinator works closely with the team and with the destination to plan elements of the meeting, the living arrangements, and other activities. This planning group also works together to create flexibility in the team's schedule. When we share an extended time together, including our free time, we frequently find that supporting each other comes easier. Many of us come alive when we have personal space to experience the beauty around us. This time rejuvenates our energies and renews our creative spirit. We gain new insights on our independence with the larger world. When we experience this happening while we immerse ourselves in the life of our work community, we are likely to renew our commitment to that community. Then, we are more willing to generate new ideas form others, and to have those ideas used by our team. Experiences in meetings like this one have long lasting and extensive effects. These effects last longer than the one extended meeting. They provide energy for months and projects to come.
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