GroupM builds adaptable, cohesive teams through experiential learning

Tuesday, 19 November 2013 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

If advertising effectiveness is a cornerstone of a successful media management agency, effective training is fundamental to honing its most valuable resource. GroupM, the leading media agency globally and locally, is an advocator of high quality human resource development initiatives. A recent experiential learning program took fifty-two GroupM Sri Lanka employees to an artillery complex in Minneriya with the objective of enhancing individual and team performance. The intensive two day program stretched participants beyond their comfort zones in a natural, new and conducive environment. Participants were presented with a set of gruelling challenges varying in nature to those encountered during a regular day in advertising. The open atmosphere fosters clearer lines of thought generating growth in many directions. Development areas cultivated at Gunner’s Club, Minneriya include teamwork, team bonding, communication, leadership, time management, problem solving, decision making, motivation, change and personal development. Activities included a hike to ‘Nagala Kanda’, battle obstacle crossing and several other outdoor challenges. The resulting growth in motivation, self-confidence and attitude were unmistakable. The program helped build a common vision, impart GroupM’s values and instil team spirit. It also served to increase collaboration, innovation and productivity, exercise conflict resolution and improve time, anger and stress management. Participants returned with a deeper understanding of courage, fear and calculated risk taking. “The purpose of an outbound training program is aimed at helping participants understand the critical elements of leadership and team building. The OBT program held at the Artillery Complex, Minneriya brought rich ingredients of self-development, teamwork, communication, leadership, motivation and time management where the participants were assessed and trained in their strategic and creative thinking skills,” explained GroupM Sri Lanka COO Sabry Haniz.

Haniz also emphasised that developing young blood through investment in talent and motivational programs will be a continuous objective for GroupM. Such investments play a vital role in the agency’s training agenda for the future. GroupM’s APAC survey yielded encouraging sentiments from employees with positive comments on the group’s work environment, culture, team spirit as well as entertainment activities that have led to improved relationships with business partners. GroupM is the parent company to WPP media agencies including Maxus, MEC, MediaCom, and Mindshare.