Our team was created in the context of a merger between two companies. The companies had different cultures, and the challenge of building a new team was to get to know and understand each other.

It is difficult to learn the ways and motivations of others while working. In addition, we have been operating in the COVID world for our entire existence and, crucially, have worked remotely. Everyone attends several meetings every day, but the natural small meetings alongside have been missed. Such meetings would help people to understand the cultures and assumptions behind our activities. Our global team is very strong in terms of skills, and SmoothTeam brought us together.

SmoothTeam helped to understand strengths and weaknesses

I like the SmoothTeam process. The simulation runs smoothly and creates meaningful discussions. Team members also appreciated the report created at the end of the simulation, which helped them understand the structure and dynamics of the team: how are we as a team, how am I in relation to others?

We got to know our colleagues much better and their strengths, which had been hidden before. Sometimes the simulation reinforced our perceptions, sometimes it gave us new insights and ways of seeing team members.

SmoothTeam opened up informal communication

It was interesting to see how SmoothTeam helped to open up informal communication. For example, two members of our team who live and work relatively close to each other - in an area where physical meetings with appropriate precautions are currently allowed - decided to have lunch together. In addition, as a whole team, we agreed on a weekly Friday lunch. These are examples of good new practices that we agreed on thanks to the simulation.

Simulation helps you commit to new practices

We need new practices on how we work together in practice. However, if I propose a virtual coffee break myself, it will not have the same effect as if someone in the team takes the initiative.

SmoothTeam helped the team to come up with new solutions together to improve the way we work together. Engagement is much better this way. It's not just about the solutions, it's also about the fact that we had the opportunity to come up with them together. The simulation also gave me, as a leader, the basis to continue building the team going forward.

The simulation created a new bond and commitment in the team

The team can have different conversations in different ways, but SmoothTeam was a fun way that we all enjoyed. Making a serious topic fun also helped the conversation. We look forward to continuing the discussions after the simulation.

The simulation was clearly the highlight of the week. Team members have continued to build on the ideas we have received. The simulation sparked a new bond and commitment among the team.

I recommend SmoothTeam for global teams

I can recommend SmoothTeam to global teams working remotely. The simulation worked very well for our team of six months, who are currently working remotely. SmoothTeam works for both newer and more established teams - and especially for teams that have a lot of virtual meetings.

Filip Nyman
Process Portfolio Manager