Last evening I attended a corporate sponsored 'Team building' event, just the latest in one of many such things I've had to participate in over the 35 years I've worked for a major Canadian Bank. The event Involved more than 200 people from across our division, and was the culmination of a process that began about a month ago, when we were arbitrarily divided into 23 'teams' of 16 players each and strongly encouraged to participate in a 3-week trivia game in which the teams could earn points. Most of the other team members were strangers to me. The only thing we had in common was that we worked for the same division of the company.

At the event, held at a large night club in Toronto, complete with computer controlled lighting and an extremely high tech sound system (massive speaker banks on all sides of the room), we were again arbitrarily divided into 'teams', and put through a couple of inane team building games, followed by a fine meal, followed by more 'trivia' and the presentation of prizes to the winning 'teams'. The event formally ended at 9:00 PM but it was announced that the DJ would be available until 1:00 AM for those that wished to stay.

We were not compelled to go to this event, but I went for a couple of reasons: to put in an appearance for my 'team', but mainly to observe what Corporations are doing to 'motivate' their employees these days.

Some observations - One woman I spoke to said that I could not imagine how much she detested these artificial things, but that she had been told she had to be there.
The music volume was such that one could not carry on a quiet conversation.
It wasn't any kind of music I would have chosen to listen to anyway.
The conversations I did get into mainly consisted of small talk, mostly related to work issues.
There were a few cliques in evidence.
There was also in evidence a tendency to toady up to the management people there.. (not that I have anything against toads, particularly in a garden).
As the evening wore on, the atmosphere became louder, more boisterous, and took on the appearance of a rowdy dance club, which I haven't been into for a long time.
As I left the place at 9:00 I reflected that I'm glad that I can choose my friends, but that I have no choice about who I work with.
As I drove home I turned on my tape deck and heard acoustic music with intelligible lyrics.
I hate that plastic environment I'm forced to endure daily, although I like most of the individuals I come into contact with, they are just workers like me.
I'm really looking ahead (5 years) to retiring from this company.

I just wanted to share with you what it feels like to be involved with the corporate world. Does anyone else have similar experiences?

I love the Mudcat and all you wonderful people. Being here is one of the highlights of every day..

Davey… (:>)