What makes a team offsite truly impactful? For the Research & Innovation Office (RIO) at the University of Auckland, the answer was clear: designing it with the team, for the team.
Last week, Te Puna Tiketike | RIO came together for a full-day session to reconnect with their shared purpose and explore new ways to collaborate for even greater impact. The RIO team plays a vital role in enabling the University’s research community to deliver high-impact research—so taking time to strengthen connections and alignment was invaluable.
Here’s what made the day work:
- Team-shaped agenda – built directly from team input on what mattered most
- Creative co-design – volunteers helped craft an engaging, tailored experience
- Full participation – leaders and team members alike leaned in (no bystanders here!)
As a facilitator, it was energising to see such wholehearted engagement. The conversations were thoughtful, the collaboration was authentic, and the sense of shared commitment was evident throughout.
A heartfelt thank you to Alexandra Thomas and the RIO Team for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful experience. I look forward to our next co-designed journey together.