Shows
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Episode #7: An Interview with Kim Kulekowskis from IBSA PharmaceuticalKim Kulikowskis, Senior Manager of Sales and Leadership Training at IBSA Pharma USA:Discovering the Right FitKim shared how she discovered Personify Leadership while searching for a program that could blend into a six-month leadership development plan. After meeting Michelle at a training event, Kim explored Personify's program and felt an immediate fit. She appreciated the experiential nature, industry versatility, and strong engagement the program offered—far from the dull, PowerPoint-heavy training sessions she had seen elsewhere. This combination made it ideal for both emerging and current leaders.Personal Growth and ReflectionKi...
2025-07-2214 min
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Episode #4: An Interview with Erin Radigan of National Lutheran CommunitiesIn this month’s episode of Leadership Personified, we’re excited to feature Erin Radigan, Clinical Lead at National Lutheran Communities & Services and a certified Personify Leadership facilitator. Erin joins our host, Michelle Cummings, to discuss her unique approach to integrating Personify Leadership principles in healthcare. From fostering compassionate care to building resilient teams, Erin shares her journey and insights on what it takes to lead effectively in a clinical setting. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with a leader who is making a meaningful impact in her field!Personify Leadership is a two-day leadership development program based on 8...
2025-07-0913 min
Educate U.S.The Educator's Table with Michelle Cummings Pull up a chair at The Educator's Table with our guest Michelle Cummings! Stacey and Patrice engage in a heartfelt conversation with the author of 'The First-Year Teacher's Survival Guide,' 5th Edition, Michelle Cummings. Discover Michelle's inspiring journey from the classroom to the cutting edge of educational technology, as she shares her lifelong passion for teaching, ways to help improve teacher shortage in America, how we need to reimagine student success beyond standardized tests, and the exciting potential of AI in education.Links mentioned in the episode to Michelle and her work -
2025-04-1446 min
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Episode #5: An Interview with Sidney Blakemore with Canal Barge CompanyIn this month’s podcast, our CEO Michelle Cummings had the pleasure of interviewing Sidney Blakemore from Canal Barge Company, an organization that has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leadership development by enrolling hundreds of their leaders in the Personify Leadership Core Program. Sidney, one of Canal Barge’s certified internal facilitators, shares insights from delivering this impactful training to their mariners. Together, we explore the program’s role in fostering resilience, communication, and leadership excellence in a unique industry setting. Whether you're a leader navigating challenges or simply passionate about growth, this episode promises valuable takeaways from Sidney's experi...
2025-01-2238 min
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Episode #3: An Interview with Jeff Hudson with Marquette TransportationIn our third episode of "Leadership Personified," Michelle Cummings, CEO, Co-Founder, and Chief Creative Officer, interviews Jeff Hudson of Marquette Transportation. In this conversation, Jeff shares his insights on how the Personify Leadership program resonates with the mariners and leaders internally at Marquette.Don’t miss this insightful discussion on leadership, growth, and the real-world applications of Personify Leadership. Watch the full interview now and discover how Jeff is making a difference through leadership excellence.Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content!Personify Leadership is a two-day leadership development program based on 8 co...
2025-01-1510 min
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Podcast - Episode #2 - An Interview with Kim Dennis of Veolia North AmericaIn our second episode of "Leadership Personified," Michelle Cummings, CEO, Co-Founder, and Chief Creative Officer, interviews Kim Dennis of Veolia North America. In this conversation, Kim shares her love for the Personify Leadership program, what inspired her to become certified, and how the program is inspiring leaders internally at Veolia.Don’t miss this insightful discussion on leadership, growth, and the real-world applications of Personify Leadership. Watch the full interview now and discover how Kim is making a global difference through leadership excellence.Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring content!Personify Leadership is...
2024-09-0417 min
Ask Michelle & Chris About Team Building#92: What's New at Training Wheels?Michelle and Chris talk about a few of the new resources available at Training Wheels: Breakthrough Bricks, Generational Diversity Cards, and the magnetic Arrowhead Puzzle. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FUNdoing Fr...
2024-08-2128 min
Leadership Personified PodcastLeadership Personified Podcast - Episode #1 - An Interview with Gerry SingletonIntroducing the first episode of "Leadership Personified," the official podcast from Personify Leadership. Hosted by Michelle Cummings, CEO, Co-Founder, and Chief Creative Officer, this episode features an in-depth interview with Gerry Singleton, CEO of Montana's Credit Unions and a Master Trainer of the Personify Leadership course.In this conversation, Gerry shares his passion for the Personify Leadership program and what inspired him to become certified. He also reveals the results of an ROI study he conducted, showcasing the program's tangible impact, and discusses his success in delivering the course on three continents.Don’t miss th...
2024-08-1326 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#91: Back-to-School Community-Building IdeasIt's that time of year – a new start! What will it be like? Michelle and Chris share some engaging activities to begin building the communities of learning we are all after. Take the time! Build connections.We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert...
2024-08-0725 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#90: How Do I Start My Own Business in Adventure/Experiential Education?After a number of inquisitive questions over the past few weeks, Michelle and Chris dive into some of the answers about starting your own business in the wild world of team building – the fields of Adventure and Experiential Education. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr...
2024-07-2429 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#89: Training Wheels 25 Year History Recap with Lessons LearnedMichelle gives us a vivid recap of Training Wheels at 25! Of course, no historical picture is complete without some reflection over a number of the lessons learned along the way. (Chris is there for the memorable ride, asking questions to spark some details.) We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly...
2024-07-0340 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#88: Reinvigorating Classics, (Vol. 4) Moonball & Human KnotMichelle and Chris share two more modern versions of classic teambuilding activities. Put more action and group cooperation into Moonball and make knots, in the now 50-year-old classic, Human Knots (originally called simply, Knots). We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - O...
2024-06-1929 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#87: Soft Start – Ideas for Engaging Participants Before Your Program BeginsMichelle and Chris call it the "Soft Start." Mark Collard, author of Serious FUN calls it an "Unofficial Start." Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering calls it a "Threshold Moment." These are all terms for the valuable time we have between when our participants arrive to (or start trickling into) our program space up to when we officially begin the program (e.g., 8 a.m. sharp). Michelle and Chris discuss some interactive ways to connect with and encourage participants to interact with each other before you're "on the clock," and why it brings value to your participants e...
2024-05-2221 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#86: Managing Large Groups (30 to 100) by YourselfMichelle and Chris discuss some of the considerations for solo large group facilitation – how/what to prepare, some all-group and simultaneous small-group activities, and getting the large group's attention. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign...
2024-04-2432 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#85: Using Index Cards for Teambuilding ActivitiesMichelle and Chris share some fun with index cards. They are one of the most versatile props you can have on hand. Along with a handful of markers, you'll have hours of engagement at the ready. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert
2024-04-1031 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#84: Building and Supporting a Staff Culture that Efficiently Reflects On Their Facilitation After ProgramsPrompted by a question from a listener, Michelle and Chris share some tips that can help build a staff culture around post-program reflection. We know the data is valuable for program improvement and personal development. How can we make it stick? We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2024-03-2721 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#83: Designing a Game for a Specific OutcomeIn this final chapter on changing and crafting games (a.k.a., activities), Michelle and Chris discuss some thinking behind creating an activity that will open up discussions on a particular outcome. We know what we want to talk about, now what can we make to get us there? We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
2024-03-1330 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#82: Changing a Game to Meet an OutcomeMichelle and Chris share a few examples of how they changed the language within activities to meet and discuss the important topics of bullying, gossip, and goal setting. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding-related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up...
2024-02-2827 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#81: Game ChangingChanging games and activities to meet the needs of our client groups is an important skill to acquire. In some cases, it's about the physical surroundings and the physical materials within our control. In other cases, it's about the language we use and the level of challenge we can present. Join Michelle and Chris for a thought-provoking discussion about changing things up. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment o...
2024-02-1429 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#80: New Activities We Know (Vol. 2)Michelle and Chris share some of the newest connection and teambuilding activities they're excited about. Find out about the new card decks Michelle has added to her Training Wheels catalog and a couple of activities from Chris – one with Cups (and Math), the other with a few activity ropes. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com...
2024-01-3032 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#79: Three Things We Learned From 2023After an extended break, Michelle and Chris return with their top learnings from 2023 and their excitement about opening up Season 5 – and the road to Episode 100. "The work is infinite, you are not!" More downtime ('White Space') in store for 2024. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or teambuilding related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HE...
2024-01-1733 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#78: Tips for Training Team BuildersMichelle and Chris discuss some of their recent experiences (and revelations) working with new team building facilitators in the field. One of the considerations relates to training 'before' the job and training 'on' the job. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris C...
2023-07-1228 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#77: Team Building with Your Own StaffMichelle and Chris talk about some fun things you can do to promote connections within your work team over longer periods of time. Team building is more than a one-time program every quarter (and these are good too!). We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2023-05-3025 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#76: The Intentional Use of Quotes During Team Building ProgramsMichelle and Chris share some of the ways they use quotes to encourage deeper discussions, metaphorical connections to activities and teach concepts like vulnerability, leadership and overcoming obstacles. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.com
2023-05-1626 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#75: Reflections on Contract Facilitation with Special Guest Stephanie SibilleStephanie Sibille, among other amazing things, is a contract trainer for Training Wheels (Michelle). She was in Colorado delivering a training and stopped by the Training Wheels Warehouse (and podcasting studio). She agreed to a spontaneous interview focusing on some of her experiences with contract facilitation. (Thanks Steph for accepting the invitation!) We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle...
2023-03-2933 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#74: Team Building Activities with Tennis BallsMichelle and Chris rapid-fire a whole bunch of activities you can do with a bucket full of tennis balls (about 26). So much to do with so little! We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSi...
2023-03-1431 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#73: Shifting Programming to be Relevant to Corporate EnvironmentsMichelle and Chris share some ideas about how to shift wording, activity selection, sequencing and processing to be relevant to corporate environments. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi...
2023-03-0140 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#72: Similarities and Differences Between Corporate and Other Facilitated ProgramsMichelle and Chris share their approaches to programming and facilitating different types of groups. Outcomes are often very similar across the different groups. It usually comes down to the language used to focus in on the specific take-aways. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2023-02-1532 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#71: Season 4 Debut! Words & Quote of the YearWelcome to Season 4! Chris and Michelle are excited to begin a fresh season with new ideas and tips for experiential facilitation.First up, our favorite beginning-of-the-year activity, Word of the Year. Here's a link to a past blog post from Michelle on this activity, which includes Four Tips on Choosing Your Word of the Year.Here are two images to help you choose your Word of the Year:List OneList TwoThanks for joining us!
2023-02-0126 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#70: Reflections on 2022Michelle and Chris look back over the last year with excitement and motivation. Find out:Why they will continue podcasting this next year.How they did on their "Word(s) of the Year" (Episode #52).Why reconnection is important. Their Gratefuls and Gratitudes from 2022.Thank you for joining us this year - we hope you join us for the next...Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HERE
2022-12-2127 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#69: Facilitator Behaviors that Drive Us CrazyMichelle and Chris share some of the challenging behaviors they see in facilitators and offer some solutions on how to encourage better practices. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FUNdoing Fr...
2022-12-0727 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#68: Trainer Tools We Never Leave Home WithoutMichelle and Chris go through a rapid-fire list of things they never leave home without when training team builders on the road. This fun energetic episode will leave you thinking about your own 'take-with-you' essentials. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris...
2022-11-2325 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#67: Concepts and Ideas from Thought Leaders that have Influenced Our WorkFind out how, The Path to Action, Perception-Action-Will and the Trust premiss of Character and Competence can help you with your team building work. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FU...
2022-11-1033 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#66: 10 Effective Techniques for Processing & Debriefing (Part 5) Action & Reflection and Object LessonsAction Reflection and Object Lessons are the final techniques in this five-part series. Michelle and Chris share favorites and discuss why when and why they use them. We hope this series of processing techniques has given you new inspiration or revived an old tool you plan to revisit. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.c...
2022-10-2633 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#65: 10 Effective Techniques for Processing & Debriefing (Part 4) Artistic Methods and Self-ReflectionMichelle and Chris share another pair of processing and debriefing tools - Artistic Methods and Self Reflection. This five-part series (one more to go) is designed to show you how many ways you can approach the important task of discussing the valuable lessons of team building activities and programs. When you use different approaches you and your participants stay curious and engage more in the process of processing. Mix it up, make it fun. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show...
2022-09-2832 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#64: 10 Effective Techniques for Processing & Debriefing (Part 3) Interventions and Anchor PiecesMichelle and Chris talk about the next two processing techniques - Intervention and Anchor Pieces. Interventions are ways to focus on correcting disruptive group behaviors and Anchors are tangible items participants can take home with them as a (learnings) reminder from a program. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for...
2022-09-1433 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#63: 10 Effective Techniques for Processing & Debriefing (Part 2) Metaphoric Methods and FrontloadingMichelle and Chris continue their current series on processing and debriefing with the Metaphoric Methods and Frontloading. Find out some of their favorite tools and activities for both techniques and two different ways to Frontload. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris...
2022-08-3129 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#62: 10 Effective Techniques for Processing & Debriefing (Part 1) Sit & Get and Pair & ShareMichelle and Chris dive into the first of a five-part series on Processing & Debriefing tools. Be sure to grab Michelles handout on all the tools we'll be sharing in the series. Then, be sure to catch all the episodes for the finer points on all the tools. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.com
2022-08-1631 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#61: Mental Health Focused ActivitiesMichelle and Chris share some activity ideas used to open up discussions involving mental health - activities to use with groups and personally to support your own mental health as well. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding...
2022-08-0325 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#60: Thoughts About (and Activities for) Camp Staff TrainingMichelle and Chris discuss their experiences with summer camp staff training and share some of their go to activities to start building a cohesive staff community. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up...
2022-06-1037 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#59: Reinvigorating Classics (Vol. 3) Group Juggle and TP ShuffleMichelle and Chris share some new ideas for these two seminal team building activities. Find out how to use Group Juggle and TP Shuffle with larger groups and how to provide more action during the Shuffle.We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr...
2022-05-1923 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#58: The Challenge of Making ChoicesMichelle and Chris talk about the idea of choice in the field of adventure education/team building - who's making these choices, the complexities choices offer and how we consider presenting choice. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - On...
2022-05-0422 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#57: Team Building with PaperMichelle and Chris share some of their favorite activities using 8.5 by 11 inch paper (i.e., copy paper). This recyclable prop is easy to find wherever you go and provides so many opportunities. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert...
2022-04-1925 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#56: How Do We Choose Activities That Interest Our Students?Michelle and Chris explore a recent question they received: "I'm always looking for new activities that will interest my skills trade students." In general, team builders want to capture the interest of their groups. It might not be a question of "what activity" but how an activity is presented. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings...
2022-04-0523 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#55: New Activities We're Using (and Excited About) (Vol. 1)Michelle & Chris discuss some of the newer activities they've been using (and excited about) since leading and experiencing them at the last ACCT Conference. Find out about, Floor Safe (a Key Punch Variation) as well as, Macro Tenzi and Dude, found in the Team Building from the Toy Aisle book. Chris says, "It's one thing to read about a new activity, and another to play it! Thanks, Michelle, Trevor and Matt for leading such a fun ACCT Toy Aisle workshop." And don't miss the J.E.D.I. Skills connection with 'DUDE!' We hope you join u...
2022-03-2233 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#54: Phrasing - Thinking Through the Words We Use When Leading ActivitiesMichelle & Chris share their experience phrasing activities with groups. Certain words we consider harmless can turn out to be just the opposite. Learn a bit about how to avoid unwanted distractions and cut down on the amount of questions you have to answer before getting an activity rolling. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.c...
2022-03-0927 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#53: No Prop Activities for Groups of Up To 50! (Safe Distancing Approved)Michelle and Chris share four no-prop activities. Three have a solid track record of success and one is super-new, but is looking like a winner. All are great for larger groups and work while safely distancing.We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr...
2022-02-1530 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#52: Recommitting and Keeping That Fire BurningMichelle & Chris are up and running with the first episode of Season 3. The New Year gives us a chance to recommit to ourselves and our work. How do we plan to recommit? What will be your "word of the year" (or, word of the Month)? In what ways will you be able to "keep the fire burning?" Our work can be very challenging. How will we stay in the game and show up as the best version of ourselves? We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com
2022-02-0130 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#51: Refections on 2021 - Hitting 50 and Over 14,000 DownloadsJoin Michelle and Chris as they look back over the highlights of the second season and share a little bit about what's ahead for the 'Ask' podcast. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSi...
2021-12-1523 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#50: Wisdom is Like Wine; It May Take Some Time to KnowWOW. Episode #50! Thank you so much for sharing the adventure with us. As long as you're listening, we'll keep going. For the 50th, Michelle and Chris explore the idea of 'Wisdom'...it's like wine... (how so? head over to 50 and find out!). They share their first wisdom-filled books, mentors and resources they still tap into - wisdom is everywhere. However, wisdom is like wine...We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
2021-12-0129 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#49: Behaviors That Make Us Crazy (and Tips to Help)Join Michelle and Chris on a little 'crazy' rant (not too ranty) about individual and group behaviors that can push our buttons (and maybe yours too?). Since we've been seeing these behaviors for a while now, we also share some of our methods for moving past the crazy and onto the good stuff. We hope you join us!Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HERE...
2021-11-1026 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#48: When to Be Supportive and When to Challenge Your GroupJoin Michelle & Chris as they meander through a discussion about when to support a group, even if you notice that not everything is going well, and when to challenge a group - push back on the group when they are missing some learnings. Some possible answers float to the surface, some things are still open for discussion. Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings...
2021-10-2723 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#47: Reinvigorating Classics (Vol. 2) Islands & Stepping Stones (a.k.a., Lilypads)Michelle and Chris share their newest ways to work with the Islands challenge course low element and the all-time favorite Stepping Stones. Find out how to get from point 'A' to point 'B' with more engagement and problem-solving opportunities. Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert...
2021-09-2923 min
A Strong Woman for Strong Women7. The Stress Involved in Real Estate With Michelle CorsiBuying or selling a home can be one of the biggest times of stress in your life. During times like these, it can be immensely helpful to have a professional by your side.
In this episode, real estate expert Michelle Corsi joins Erica Cummings. Together, they highlight the stresses of buying or selling a home and share how you could mitigate some of that stress. Michelle also shares some stories she has experienced in the industry to outline the importance of working with a professional.
Michelle discusses:
Advice for women: The emotional aspect of...
2021-09-1533 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#46: Tips for Picking Up Full Time Work in Adventure EducationAfter a number of recent requests, Michelle and Chris share some of their ideas about how to start and take the journey into full time work in the adventure education field. The bottom line is all about experience - get yourself into companies and programs near you to build your skill sets. Grow your Adventure portfolio and save your program plans. Keep track of 'failures' (actually a growing part of portfolios these days) and how you plan(ned) to improve. All good steps to full time work. Show Notes include links to Job Boards, training hubs and Associations that c...
2021-09-1430 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#45: Team Building from the Toy Aisle MindsetWe are, first and foremost, celebrating the release of Michelle's new book, Team Building from the Toy Aisle (co-written with Matthew Broda and Trevor Dunlap). Then we share a couple of the gems in the book and talk about the mindset of changing a 'game' into a team building 'activity.' We hope you join us. Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings
2021-08-2527 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#44: Using Consequences During Team Building ActivitiesMichelle and Chris share their thoughts about using consequences during activities. There are times when 'fun' consequences liven up the group (Opera Singer), and other times when more natural consequences focus in on the learning (a lower grade). It all relates to the purpose of the program. Join in and find out about the new 'Consequences Thumb Ball!'Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle...
2021-07-2827 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#43: Reinvigorating Classics, (Vol. 1) Spider Web & Key PunchMichelle and Chris share new ways to lead some old classics in this new mini-series called Reinvigorating Classics. In this first volume Chris shares a goal-setting and achievement process using the Spider Web called, Count Me In and Michelle explains a new way to Key Punch using the alphabet called The Pangram Project. (Do you know want a pangram is?)We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team...
2021-07-1428 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#42: How Do We Re-Engage with Each Other After This Long Gap of Limited Social Interaction?Every day, more and more team builders are getting back in front of excited, interested and apprehensive learners. In this Episode Michelle and Chris share some ideas and considerations about re-engaging face-to-face with program participants. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris...
2021-06-3019 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#41: Bring Your Group Back Together with Engaging ClosersMichelle and Chris share some closing activities that will help bring groups back to some important learnings from their programs. When we program for purposeful outcomes, it will be important to take a fair amount of time to reflect. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2021-06-1026 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#40: Programming for Specific TopicsResponding to some questions about team building with specific groups (e.g., those recovering from trauma, special education students) or specific topics to address (e.g., gender diversity) with groups, Michelle and Chris share some common features in programming with all groups and special considerations when working with specific groups (e.g., be aware of your bias blind spots when working with groups). We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a com...
2021-05-2628 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#39: Using Image Cards for Team BuildingJoin Michelle and Chris for an idea and resource-filled episode on using image (or picture) cards for team building programs. Don't miss the show notes filled links to all the fun shared during the episode. Image cards are not just for processing any more!We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up...
2021-05-1124 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#38: How Do You Use Puzzles for Team Building? (Part 2)In this episode (Part 2 of 2), Michelle and Chris share their thoughts on how to use 'puzzles' (particularly baffling problems that are said to have a correct solution) within team building programs. Lots of puzzle activity ideas are included. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2021-04-2826 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#37: How Do You Use Puzzles for Team Building? (Part 1)In this episode (Part 1 of 2), Michelle and Chris share their thoughts on how to use 'puzzles' (particularly baffling problems that are said to have a correct solution) within team building programs. Lots of puzzle activity ideas are included. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE
2021-04-1420 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#36: What Are Some of Your Favorite Activities for Small Groups?Michelle and Chris share a handful of their favorite small group (2 to 6 participants) activities. This is a follow up to Episode #35 where Michelle and Chris shared how they approach programming and facilitating small groups. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert
2021-03-3021 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#35: How Do You Approach Programming and Facilitating with Small Groups?We received a recent question (thanks Dawn) asking about some good team building activities for small groups - 2 to 6 participants. Before we share some of our favorite activities (in the next Episode), we wanted to talk a little bit about how we consider programming and facilitating smaller groups. There are some common features between all sized groups and there are some important differences. We hope you join us! Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a...
2021-03-1720 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#34: Chris and Michelle's Recent Fun Activity FindsWe're so excited about moving into Season 2 of the "Ask" podcast. In this recent episode, Chris and Michelle describe recent Fun Finds that have turned into some solid team building activities. Emails:michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.comFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FU...
2021-03-0223 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#33: Choosing and Using a Word of the Year.Welcome to Season #2 of the Ask Michelle & Chris podcast! We're glad you're with us. In this season's first episode, Michelle & Chris talk about reflecting on and choosing a word of the year (or, maybe even a word of the month or a word for a program - something for you to focus on to help you learn and grow is a facilitator). As we moving back into more and more programming, what will help us stay on track to show up as the best version of ourselves and lead team building programs that make a difference?
2021-02-1621 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#32: Reflections on 2020 and Our First Season with, Ask Michelle & Chris About Team BuildingMichelle and Chris look back and talk about this interesting year, sharing learnings, discoveries, podcasting and possibilities. Who could have ever imagined.....We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding.com & FUNdoing.comSign Up for FUNdoing Fridays bi...
2020-12-3023 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#31: (Part 2) How Can We Get More Engagement During Processing with Face-to-Face Team Building GroupsMichelle & Chris continue (from Episode #30 about virtual engagement) with more ideas on how to increase engagement during processing with team building groups - this time they focus on engagement with face-to-face groups. Some of the keys: getting participants "warmed-up" to talking and "those who talk more first, talk more."We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings...
2020-12-2316 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#30: (Part 1) How Can We Get More Engagement During Processing with a Virtual Team Building Group?Michelle and Chris talk about strategies and tools for increasing participant engagement in processing sessions during virtual team building programs. Some key points: What are the expectations you are setting around engagement - for yourself and your group? And, does your group understand your expectations. Are you using a variety of methods to process experiences? What processing tools are you using inside and outside of ZOOM?We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
2020-12-1621 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#29: What types of Activities Go Into the Three Kinds of Programs?In Episode #26, Michelle and Chris talked about the three kinds of programs they choose to offer their clients - Team Bonding, Team Building and Team Development. In this episode Michelle and Chris share the types of activities they consider for each kind of program. During a needs assessment we (team builders) like to uncover our client's goals and objectives for a program - this helps us offer the right experience for them. Then, once we have the kind of program in mind, we can break down the goals and objectives into behaviors and go on to choose...
2020-12-0120 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#28: How Do We Use Our Facilitation Skills to Market Our Programs? with guest Paul CummingsPaul Cummings from Strategic Adventures joins Michelle and Chris to talk about marketing adventure programs and how we can leverage our facilitation skills in our marketing efforts. Paul shares his experience with needs assessments, promoting the value we bring to our programs, the importance of video messages and delivering on promises. We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings
2020-11-1722 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#27: What Do You Include In A Program Needs Assessment?Michelle and Chris talk about some of the important aspects of needs assessments. There is a lot to think about and include in your information gathering. You want to make sure you are able to understand your clients needs so you can put together the best possible program to meet their expectations. We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle C...
2020-11-1019 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#26: How Do You Help Clients Understand the Difference Between the Types of Programs You Offer?In this episode you'll find out how Michelle and Chris describe the three different types of 'team' programs they offer to potential clients. When we are clear about the programs we offer, we are more intentional about our outcomes and are better able to meet the needs and expectations of our participants. We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle C...
2020-11-0319 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#25: How Is Team Building with Younger Audiences Different Than Working with Middle School and High School Programs?Michelle and Chris start a conversation about team building with younger groups. Chris shares that it's more about 'cooperative' activities and introducing younger populations to concepts like being kind and safe and being willing to share and help others when needed (as promoted by MacPhee Bower in her book, Adventure Play). Michelle likes to offer younger groups the opportunity to explore feelings and identify ways the whole group can be successful as opposed to only some success.You'll also pick up a few action-packed activity ideas for younger populations in the episode and some useful resources to e...
2020-10-2715 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#24: As Team Builders, How Do We Consciously Keep Things Fresh?Michelle and Chris share ideas about keeping your programming fresh. It all starts with mindset. Even if you are 'locked in' to certain programming sequences (doing the same activities), you can get into a mindset of excitement and energy. Because, as we know, we never know what can happen! With a mindset of freshness, you can also revive old activities and make them new again, go browse around your favorite 'prop' stores or get together (in person or on ZOOM) to share ideas that will spark the excitement to try something new. And, don't miss Chris' 20-year...
2020-10-2017 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#23: What Are Some of Your Favorite Portables?Michelle and Chris share a few of their favorite, super-versatile, portable team building elements. Different from team building activities that can be done with or without props and where players keep their feet on the ground, elements are built structures that add to the complexity (and interest) of the task. Often times challenge course elements (low elements) will also require the participants to leave the ground within a manageable spotting distance. So, how do you take some of these low elements off the course and on the road? Listen in for some of the possibilities - all of which...
2020-10-1316 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#22: How Long Do You Let An Activity Play Out?Michelle and Chris discuss their considerations about how long to stay with ice-breakers and name games, problem-solving activities and processing sessions. With time, we find out how to watch our groups for changes in energy, signaling the need for something different. It could be staying with the activity but simply adding something to it to re-energize the group. It could be time for a check-in to find out where the group is at and what they need. It could also mean moving on to another activity in order to change the energy in a needed direction. Knowing (or sensing...
2020-10-0619 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#21: How Have Experiential Activities Changed the Way You Work with Corporate Clients? with Special Guest, Angela Sebaly, author of, The Courageous LeaderIn this episode, Michelle & Chris sit down with Angela Sebaly - Michelle's business partner in Personify Leadership. She shares with us her journey through traditional training and development into the experiential applications of training. We also find out about Angela's and Michelle's Personified Leadership training program - how it grew as a face-to-face experience and how it's evolved into including the virtual training course. We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit...
2020-09-2933 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#20: Do You Have Any Additional Activity Ideas for Physically Distancing Participants?Michelle and Chris share six additional team building activities you can lead while safely distancing participants. This is a primer for Chris' workshop on Sept. 28th 2020, covering a wide range of safely distancing activities.If you are reading this before the 28th, find details HEREIf you are reading this after the 28th, find the complete assets package HEREWe hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a...
2020-09-2220 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#19: Team Builders, What Have You Been Doing Face-to-Face While Safely Distancing? With Special Guests Deb Kulcsar & David DarstIn this episode, Deb and David share their recent experiences team building face-to-face while safely distancing with participants. They tell us about coordinating with stakeholders, the preparations they made, the activities that worked for them (and the ones that didn't work) and some of their biggest learnings. They are out there proving that we can bring people together again face-to-face by carefully preparing for programs and working together, as a facilitation team, to manage the potential risks. We hope you join us! Emails: michelle@training-wheels.comchris@onteambuilding.com ...
2020-09-1527 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#18: How Do You Price Virtual Programs?Michelle & Chris share some advice about putting a price tag on virtual team building programs. Pricing virtual programs does not have to be much different than face-to-face programs. Two major considerations: Contact hours and 'development' fees. Advice: If six hours of face-to-face programming is $400 for a group of 12, contract three two-hour sessions for $400 (since the consensus is, two hours is a good timeline for an online session. Advice: If you have to spend more than an hour developing a specific (custom) program, charge an hourly rate for this extra time. And, yes, this team building context is...
2020-09-0823 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#17: Michelle, What Was Your Recent Face-to-Face Training Experience Like While Safely Distancing?Just prior to this episode, Michelle had the opportunity to lead an activity training for 18 participants - teaching them how to lead some of the activities in her Table Top Team kit. As a way to contribute some data about programming while safely distancing, she shares with us what she thought about prior to leading the training, some of the activities she led and some of the procedures she followed during the training. Available links to the resources shared will be provided in the Show Notes - if you have questions about any of the activities, or...
2020-09-0119 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#16: What Connection Activities Can We Do At The Start Of The School Year?In this episode, Michelle and Chris share five activities teachers (and team builders) can do to start building strong community connections in classrooms, and online, while safely distancing. Creating a safe environment to learn and grow is important. "Without relatedness, no work can get done." "The more we know about each other, the less likely we are to hurt one another." These are two quotes shared during the episode that highlight the fact that communities (classrooms and teams) of people who know each other learn and grow together, learn and grow more! Links to the activities shared...
2020-08-2519 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#15: Chris, What Is Your Process for Writing a Book?As a follow-up to the last episode, where Michelle shared her writing process, Chris shares his writing path, the folder method and productive writing tips. He never intended to be a 'writer' - his adventures simply started with providing handouts and resources for workshop participants 'back in the day' (the, go-to-the-print-shop-and-make-the-books-yourself-pubishing method). He never sought a publisher, one approached him. He collaborated on all but one of his 16 books and he supports neo-publishing because everyones ideas will help someone! We hope you join us!Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERE
2020-08-1820 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#14: Michelle, What Is Your Process for Writing a Book?In this episode of the 'Ask' podcast, Michelle shares her writing process. She has written both non-fiction (A Teachable Moment and more...) and fiction (her novel, The Reel Sisters). In both genres Michelle tells us how she goes from the idea to a book in hand following a similar path.Michelle talks about the power of collaborating with other authors and going solo. (Spoiler - she loves collaborating with others.) Then, whether collaborating or going it alone, there is the 'writers retreat' for ideation and brainstorming, followed by sticky notes (to numerous to count). When the ideas...
2020-08-1116 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#13: What's Been Working for Team Builders Online, Part 3 (with Guest Dr. Amy Climer)Michelle & Chris talk with Dr. Amy Climer about how to create meaningful experiences online. Amy has been delivering online experiences long before the rest of us were 'forced' into the virtual space. After receiving a flood of requests for help in the online space, Amy created a course, 'Leading Engaging Virtual Meetings' (including Trainings and Webinars) to help with the growing demand. In this episode, we learn about the three keys to creating an engaging online experience, some tools to apply to online settings and ways to deliberately prepare and deliver purposeful programs.We hope y...
2020-08-0420 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#12: What's Been Working for Team Builders Online, Part 2In Part 2 of this three-part series about What's Working for Team Builders Online, Michelle specifically shares Five Tips for Delivering Virtual Keynotes or Playnotes and a few of her go-to activities. Chris also shares some of his successes online and his favorite activity that can be led with any size group at the same time - no breakout rooms required. Virtual team building programs work. Plan with outcomes in mine, remember the basics, know the software and keep participants active. In Part 3 we talk with Dr. Amy Climer about how she creates meaningful learning experiences...
2020-07-2824 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#11: What's Been Working for Team Builders Online, Part 1 (with Guest John Losey)We've had several questions lately asking us about what's working online for team builders. In Part 1 of a three part series to address this question, we invited our good friend John Losey to help us with some answers. John has been a vital part of our online team building learning experiences and has helped dozens of other online team builders learn and grow. John tells us about starting with a positive and realistic mindset - "The skills that make us good face-to-face team builders do not necessarily make us good online team builders." We need to accept...
2020-07-2123 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#10: What Are the Pros & Cons of Using Blindfolds?In this episode, Michelle and Chris discuss their past and current experiences with using blindfolds. When using blindfolds (within a common mental model), we can awaken other senses, we learn to rely on and trust others to take care of us and we share common experiences. Not using blindfolds (e.g., during 'trust-building' activities) gives us instant choice and holds us accountable for what we need - we can try to be without sight, but we can change our minds in an instant. (And, what predicates changing our minds?) Michelle and Chris consider 'Trauma-Informed Care' and how...
2020-07-1314 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#9: What Ideas and Strategies Do You Have for In-Person Team Building While Physically Distancing?In this episode, Michelle and Chris discuss their experiences with physically distancing during a team building activity training with local (Colorado) team builders. "It wasn't as easy as we thought it would be!" was the overall consensus. Michelle and Chris share their preparations for the training, some activities that can be set up before participants arrive and a variety of activities that can be done (after setting up distancing norms) while physically distancing. The biggest take-away for Michelle and Chris was the importance of setting up and following through on distancing norms. Team building at a distance can be d...
2020-07-0620 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#8: Can You Go More In Depth on the Open to Outcome Five Question Model for Processing and Debriefing?In this episode, Michelle and Chris share another processing model (a follow-up from last weeks episode) that is easy to learn and leads to effective transfer of learning. Chris, specifically shares how he uses it to build empathy for behaviors that surface during group work. This model also encourages the use of 'closed-ended' questions and 'why' questions as a way of leading-to-learning. (These types of question are okay to ask! How you ask them is the key.) The current resource discussed in this episode is: Open to Outcome: A Practical Guide for Facilitating & Teaching Experiential Reflection (2nd...
2020-06-2917 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#7: How Do You Use the What? So What? Now What? Processing Model?In this episode, Michelle and Chris share some thoughts about using the, What? So What? Now What? processing model. Find out about: Where the model originated (a Historical overview)How they were first introduced to the modelSome tools that work well with the model, and One way the model has evolvedWe hope you join us! Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HERE...
2020-06-2220 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#6: What Are Some Creative Ways to Pair Up Participants?Pairing up participants is one of the primary skills of a team builder. In this episode, Michelle and Chris share some of their favorite pairing practices:Handshakes (check out THESE VIDEOS)Back-to-BackUsing Playing Cards & Distributing the CardsUsing 'Rhyming Words' PuzzleHog Call Cards, the FUN StretchCompound Words (& Building Trust)Dominos (& Onimod)Find the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - OnTeamBuilding...
2020-06-1516 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#5: What Advice Would You Give Me If I Wanted to Get More Professional Development in This Field?In this episode, Michelle and Chris give advice on how to enhance your facilitation skills with additional professional development. Learn About: Finding a Mentor or Coach'Play Days' with other FacilitatorsConferences that are more specialized in facilitationBooks to help grow your skillsBlogs that focus on facilitationCEU's and higher education degreesOnline coursesFind the Show Notes with all the resource links HERESubmit a comment or team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings - Training-Wheels.comSign Up for Michelle's weekly Newsletter HEREDr. Chris Cavert - On...
2020-06-0819 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#4: What Are Some Quick Activity Ideas for Team Meetings?In this episode, Michelle and Chris explain how to lead five different community connection activities that can take less than five-minutes to play. Perfect for helping your team know each other a little better and a great way to get the brains warmed up for the meeting ahead. Learn About: The Ice Breaker Question ExchangeName Letter Opener Spot It & Ubuntu Cards Image Card StoriesConversation Starter ButtonsGreat ways to practice 'connection before content' - when we know more about each other, we are more likely to support and help each other through thick and thin. ...
2020-06-0115 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#3: Michelle, What Has Been Your Experience Creating Virtual Team Building Activities?In this episode, we're learning from Michelle about her recent experiences creating, training and leading team building activities virtually. She admits her slow adoption (i.e., resistance) to team building online and then shares how she eventually embraced the challenge and "...now, dare I say, I'm energized by it and actually enjoying it." Her journey (over less than two months) rolled out in stages - 1) how do we 'tweak' activities we know for the virtual world, 2) once we learn the tech, how do we use the features in the 'platforms' to support team building community building/activities...
2020-05-1919 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#2: What Falls Under the Umbrella of Processing and Debriefing?In this episode, Michelle and Chris initially share their thoughts about how they name that important time in a program when groups talk about their experience together. Common names are: Processing (Processing the Experience), Debriefing, Reflection, and Reviewing. Then, they go into "kinds" of processing and some of the tools and techniques they use to, "have conversations with people before, during and after programs...to bring about learnings." Lots of useful resource links for each episode in the Show Notes HERE.Submit a team building related question HEREMichelle Cummings...
2020-05-1915 minAsk Michelle & Chris About Team Building#1: Why Are We Producing This Podcast?Michelle and Chris spend a lot of time with team builders - both face-to-face and virtually (via emails, social media and online programs). Over the last 25+ years they have both fielded a lot of questions during these interactions. As a way to answer even more questions through a different medium and reach team builders all over the world, they decided to produce this weekly podcast. In this Introduction Episode, you'll find out more about Michelle and Chris and their motivation behind the podcast and what to expect. The plan for this first season is to explore team...
2020-05-1917 min