Setting Sail for a New Adventure

We’ve welcomed many new additions to our team this year, and given the great weather we’ve had this summer, what better way to try something new and get to know each other outside the office walls than an evening sail around Toronto Harbour?

After bonding over kebabs, we took to Lake Ontario in two boats. Some of the crew were nervous at first, as many had never stepped foot onto a sailboat. But within a few minutes, we gained our sea legs and were excited to set sail.

I watched as each team member took the wheel for the first time, first hesitant, then with growing confidence. As everyone moved through that experience, I saw that we all have the ability to move out of our comfort zone, try new things, and take on new challenges. Each unique personality shone through as they learned the feel of the wheel, and everyone found their own way to steer the ship, taking great care of their teammates along the way.

Throughout the night, I noted the parallels between sailing and business. A competitive spirit is an essential ingredient to both, and it wasn’t surprising to see our two-boat excursion evolve into a friendly race. (I won’t say who won.) As in the world of advertising, we needed to work as a team with effective communication, leadership, courage, problem-solving, and flexibility. It was great to see that our team has all these dynamics in spades.

Next week, the Euro RSCG Life team will be moving to share office space with our local Euro RSCG consumer sister agency. Through this experience I have full confidence that our team will adapt quickly to embrace our new surroundings, and find new, exciting ways to collaborate with our larger family.

Check out our flickr stream to see photos from our outing.