From Project-Oriented to Group Cohesion: Team Building Workshop with AEIDL
How do you apply your strong project approach to collective collaboration?
AEIDL, an organization focused on local development, innovation and climate action, faced a recognizable challenge: how do you strengthen collaboration between teams that perform well at project level, but do not always work optimally together as a collective?
Despite strong individual performances, a shared sense of connection was often lacking. Communication between teams was not always coordinated, and the diversity of roles within the organization led to a certain fragmentation.
The question was: How can AEIDL strengthen collaboration and create a stronger sense of collective ownership? During the team building event in June, the ambitious team of permanent employees and freelancers wanted to take steps in that direction.
With this question in mind, we started working with mussels from bristle and developed a tailor-made program for the 25 participants.
A team building exercise that strengthens the collective project approach
Interactive morning as part of team building
ChatGPT said:
Better understanding thanks to a preliminary process
To address this challenge, we engaged in discussions with the AEIDL project group to understand the key objectives and challenges. This preliminary process enabled us to select the right approach and game to improve collaboration. The choice fell on game-based learning, an interactive method that challenges employees in a playful way and at the same time offers important insights.
Game Based Learning
The group was divided into three project teams, each with a specific assignment to complete within a limited timeframe. The unique aspect of the game was that the teams had to present their results at a shared table. This forced the teams to think beyond their project boundaries and collaborate collectively. The game offered direct insights into the organization's collaborative dynamics, such as missing alignment and shared strategies, which led to valuable discussions about improvement actions.
It was a truly positive experience for our team. The exercises and the extensive debriefing ensured that we learned a lot in just four hours, both about ourselves and each other. Highly recommended!
Claire Jordan
Managing director AEIDL
Talents in the collective
Understanding each other's strengths
After the game we introduced the 'Talents in the Collective' model, which emphasizes that each individual has unique talents that can contribute to the collective goal. The model emphasizes understanding each other's rhythms and strengths, which is essential for effective collaboration. When team members are aware of each other's talents and work rhythms, they can better coordinate and collaborate harmoniously. This awareness has led to greater trust, ownership, and connection within the team.
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Results: Sustainable Change in Collaboration, Project Approach and Leadership
The session provided deep insight into trust, coordination and collective leadershipEmployees not only learned how to better lead their own teams but also how to collaborate more effectively with other teams within AEIDL. The organization is now better positioned to grow collectively and meet future challenges, with a stronger sense of collaboration and a shared focus on its mission.
AEIDL and all the talent are even stronger.
We are proud to have been part of this journey – and look forward to what is yet to come.
May 6, 2026
March 26, 2026
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