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In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business world, finding new and innovative ways to build strong and cohesive teams is essential for success. While traditional team building exercises can be effective, it’s always refreshing to explore new approaches, something your employees haven’t done a million times before in their careers elsewhere. We think one such approach is using Tarot and Lenormand as a tool for team building success.
Tarot, often associated with mystical and spiritual practises, might seem like an unlikely choice for team building. However, when used correctly, it can help teams find clarity, foster communication, and strengthen their connections. The rich symbolism and deep insights offered by Tarot cards can provide a unique perspective on team dynamics and individual strengths.
We posted previously about how astrology in work can optimise team dynamics. Similarly, by employing the power of Tarot, your team members can gain a better understanding of themselves and each other, identify areas for growth and collaboration, and develop strategies to overcome challenges. This unconventional approach not only encourages self-reflection but also promotes open dialogue and encourages team members to think outside of the box.
In this article, we will explore how Tarot can be used as a powerful tool for team building success, providing practical tips and insights for organisations looking to enhance their team dynamics and achieve outstanding results.
Understanding team building and its importance
Traditional team building exercises often involve physical activities or problem-solving tasks, taking place perhaps once or twice a year. While these activities can be effective in promoting teamwork, they may not always address the underlying dynamics and individual strengths within the team.
Team building is the process of creating a strong and cohesive group of individuals who work together towards a common goal. But it is meant to be for the life of the team, not just about building something on a wilderness weekend with “people you don’t normally work with”. It involves developing trust, improving communication, and fostering a sense of camaraderie among team members. This takes time, and it is not fixed by going on one awayday.
Effective team building is crucial for organisations, as it can lead to increased productivity, better problem-solving abilities, and higher employee satisfaction. Satisfied and well-built teams will pull together, and stay together on their project, even if the organisation isn’t doing the same.
The traditional model of team building events aimed at problem solving only covers the cognitive or strategy part of the solution to building strong teams. That still leaves the interpersonal and emotional part on the table. Psychological personality tests and profiling tools are often used to fill this void, but it is time for a new approach. This is where Tarot can offer a fresh and insightful approach.
The benefits of using Tarot for team building
Tarot can offer several unique benefits when used as a tool for team building. Firstly, it provides a non-threatening and inclusive platform for team members to express themselves and explore their thoughts and emotions. Tarot readings can create a safe space for individuals to share their perspectives and concerns, fostering open and honest communication within the team.
Secondly, Tarot cards offer a rich symbolism that can help team members gain a deeper understanding of themselves and each other. Each card represents different aspects of human nature and life experiences, allowing individuals to explore their strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. This self-awareness can lead to improved teamwork and collaboration, as team members can leverage their individual strengths to achieve collective success.
Additionally, Tarot can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and group interactions. By examining the cards drawn and their positions within a spread, team members can gain a fresh perspective on the challenges they face and the potential solutions available to them. This can spark creative thinking and encourage team members to approach problems from different angles, leading to innovative and effective solutions.
How Tarot can enhance communication within teams
Effective communication is at the heart of successful team building. Tarot can play a significant role in enhancing communication within teams by providing a structured framework for discussions and reflection.
One way to use Tarot for communication enhancement is through group readings. Team members can gather in a comfortable and relaxed setting, and each chooses a card to represent their current thoughts, feelings, or challenges. By sharing their chosen cards and discussing their interpretations, team members can gain valuable insights into each other’s perspectives and foster empathy and understanding.
Another effective method is utilising tarot-based icebreaker activities. These activities can involve asking team members to select a card that represents a personal or professional goal they have for the team. Each person then shares their chosen card and explains how it relates to their goal. This exercise encourages open and authentic communication, as team members can express their hopes and aspirations in a non-threatening environment, using the art as a basis for their thoughts.
Using Tarot to identify team strengths and weaknesses
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of a team is vital for effective collaboration and goal attainment. Tarot can be a powerful tool in identifying these attributes, providing team members with a clear picture of where they excel and where they may need additional support.
One approach is to conduct individual readings for each team member, focusing on their unique strengths and contributions. By analysing the cards drawn and their interpretations, team members can gain a deeper understanding of their personal qualities and how they can best contribute to the team’s success. This exercise can also highlight areas for growth and development, encouraging team members to seek opportunities for improvement, for example through training or promotions.
Incorporating Tarot into workshops and activities
To fully leverage the power of Tarot in team building, organisations can incorporate Tarot into workshops and activities designed to enhance team dynamics and collaboration. These sessions can be facilitated by a trained Tarot reader or other team building professional with experience in Tarot. You may even consider someone in your own organisation who could fulfil this role.
One method is to perform a collective reading for the team as a whole. Drawing a card to represent the team’s current strengths and weaknesses can help team members better understand how they complement each other and where they may need to focus their efforts. This exercise can foster a sense of unity, as team members work together to address any identified weaknesses and build upon their existing strengths. These outputs can be tracked after the event through continuous improvement measurement techniques.
Team members can also draw a card that represents their vision for the team’s future. By sharing their chosen cards and discussing their interpretations, team members can align their individual visions and work together towards a common goal. This exercise can also foster a sense of shared purpose and motivate team members to actively contribute towards the team’s success.
Another engaging activity is a Tarot-based problem-solving session. Team members can draw cards to represent different aspects of a specific problem or challenge they are facing. By analysing the cards and their meanings, team members can gain fresh insights and perspectives on the issue at hand. This exercise can encourage creative thinking and help teams overcome obstacles by considering alternative solutions.
Tips for facilitating tarot-based team building sessions
When facilitating tarot-based team building sessions, it is essential to create a supportive and non-judgemental environment. Team members should feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and interpretations of the cards drawn. Here are some tips for effectively facilitating tarot-based team building sessions:
- Set clear intentions: Clearly communicate the purpose and goals of the session to the team members. This will help create focus and ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also draw up some rules for dealing with anything that is triggering.
- Provide guidance and interpretation: Offering guidance and interpretations of the cards drawn is essential, but encourage team members to develop their own interpretations as well. This allows for diverse perspectives and encourages critical thinking.
- Encourage active participation: Foster an environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate actively. Ensure that all team members have an opportunity to share their thoughts and interpretations.
- Foster open dialogue: Create a safe space for open dialogue and discussion. Encourage team members to ask questions, seek clarifications, and engage in meaningful conversations.
- Follow-up and reflection: After the session, encourage team members to reflect on the insights gained and identify actionable steps moving forward. This will help ensure that the tarot-based team building session translates into real-world improvements.
Tarot can be a powerful and unconventional tool for team building success. By using Tarot cards to gain insights into team dynamics, foster communication, and identify strengths and weaknesses, teams can develop stronger connections and achieve outstanding results. Tarot provides a unique perspective on individual strengths and growth opportunities, encouraging team members to think outside of the box and collaborate more effectively. By incorporating Tarot into team building workshops and activities, organisations can create an inclusive and engaging environment that promotes self-reflection and open dialogue. So why not give Tarot a try and unlock the hidden potential within your team?
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