Team Building - Generals Basic Need

I had the chance to attend and participate in a program customed designed and built for the Generals last weekend. Because it was meant for Generals, led by the Chief General, the program was immaculately planned and executed (if you screw, you'll know your fate next). Bravo to the organizer, led by En. Onn.

The hotel was nice - big room, huge bed, few swimming pools, fine cuisine. Yeah, it's meant for Generals, so as a weeny, I felt so excited.

The program was designed in such a way that it would encourage the Generals to work together not only during the 2 days, but most importantly at the field, where real fights and wars take place. The Generals sure did enjoy the fun. Among the fun activities:

1. BBQ Dinner and Karaoke.
I can't believe that some Generals do have great voice, hidden talent indeed. But for majority, it's just a way to release tension and have some fun. Here are some names of Generals who sang and the song titles:

1. Manoel Gomes - My Way
2. Hisham Harun - West Virginia
3. Abdul Jamal Talib - Wajah Kesayangan Hamba (Hail Amir)
4. Wan Nor Asikin - ? (Bangles)
5. Me with Abdul Halim Mohamed - Endless Love (Lionel Ritchie/Diane)
6. Me with Abdul Jamal Talib - Jangan Ada Dusta (Broery/Dewi Yull)
7. Chief General - Bahtera Merdeka

2. Team Building activities

Balance your way on a see-saw. 8 team members had to try to balance the beam for a good 10 seconds.

Crossing the river. 8 team members had to cross the children's swimming pool using 5 chairs.

Archery and blow pipe. 4 team members each had to do it and points accumulated.

Walking on a A-Frame. 1 team member stood on the beam, with 6 team members holding a rope each connected to the frame, leading the way to the finish line. 1 was supposed to give direction.

Even though our team finished last, here is my tribute to the YELLOW team, consisting of:

1. Ahmad Nawawi (leader)
2. Pang Meng Tak
3. Shahruddin Esa
4. Abdul Jamal Talib
5. Kim Young Sam
6. Syed Shahrom
7. Peh Kheng Cheong

Then come the serious part. Sort of Action Workshop style, but the Chief General insisted that the actions be turned into KPI for the group members. For DODEP members:

1. Mohamed Zaaba Abbas
2. Ahmad Nawawi
3. Zubaidi Abdul Rahman
4. Syed Shahrom
5. Wasiuddin Ahmad

Wow - another KPI. If we can complete this task before March 2009, we'll be walking on water.

After all the fun, sweat, debate and arguments, the Chief General gave his final conclusion and reminder. If we can have fun and enjoy ourselves working together as a team in this hotel, why not we take the spirit back home and let it remain forever at our working place? Sounded like a plea to me. He could get mad and shout at everyone, but hey, it's of no use to anyone. The Generals are so used to having conversations at high pitch, they have become immuned to it. Hence, rather than pissing everyone since he himself was pissed, better for him to watch out his stress level and blood pressure. Smart man, he talked softly but adamantly.

For my part, I will try to make my work more fun and enjoyable. Like my buddy Yati said "Life is too short, ENJOY!"