The Incentive for Excellence

Trust falls have fallen from favor, and skits are about as welcome at professional events as pink slips. In place of these old-fashioned offerings, sophisticated team building activities are as plentiful and variegated as toppings at Pinkberry. But what are you actually getting when you add a team building component to your event? (The answer is not “gummy bears.”)

Team building may take the guise of, for instance, a cell phone scavenger hunt, a game show, or an outdoor challenge course. But those descriptions don’t really convey the value. The benefit of team building – and we’re talking about something more focused and goal-oriented than simply a luncheon with bowling or an outing to a ball game – is a hands-on, engaging, interactive experience that is nothing short of transformative.

How do I stay motivated day in and day out?

How do I gain more confidence with clients?

How can I reduce my fears and anxiety when speaking to groups?

These are typical struggles for event planners. While there are no easy answers, the best response I can give you is to fill your life with purpose. When this happens, you will be mentally and emotionally tough. Ultimately, you will be at your best day in and day out, regardless of situation or pressure placed upon you.

A great example of someone who has premier emotional toughness because he lives in purpose is Philippe Petit, who was featured in the Academy Award winning documentary, Man on Wire.

God, give us grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed, courage to change the things that should be changed, and the wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

The life of an event planner is very stressful. There is continual pressure to meet tight budgets, manage client relationships, and be on call 24/7. And all this stress is a double whammy. Not only will it reduce your happiness, it can also ruin your health. Thus, it is essential for an event planner to have an effective strategy to reduce their stressors at the job.

Congratulations to Denise Dornfeld, President, AlliedPRA and a long-time SITE SoCal member for being recognized as one of the 25 Most Influential People in the Meetings Industry for 2015.