Team Development & Team Effectiveness at Cowi Sweden by Gustav Sjoholm

What happens when you take a team, place them on a remote island, and challenge them to collaborate under pressure? You get an unforgettable learning experience! That’s exactly what the team at COWI Sweden recently discovered during their Miki Island workshop, expertly facilitated by Gustav Sjöholm, Miki Island’s partner in Sweden.

A Digital Adventure with Real-World Impact

Set against the backdrop of a South Sea island—albeit digitally—participants embarked on a high-energy, immersive journey designed to simulate real-world team challenges. Through a series of interactive tasks, they experienced firsthand how communication, agile decision-making, and adaptability are critical success factors in today’s fast-paced work environment.

Key Takeaways from the Workshop

The participants left the session with valuable insights, including:

• The Power of Communication – Clear and effective dialogue was essential in navigating the challenges on Miki Island, mirroring the dynamics of everyday workplace collaboration.

• Agile Decision-Making – The ability to assess situations quickly, pivot when necessary, and make informed decisions as a team proved crucial.

• The Importance of Reflection – A key learning point was to always take a step back, pause, and reflect before making strategic choices. This practice can significantly enhance problem-solving and team cohesion.

• Understanding Team Development Stages – The session also reinforced the four stages of team development—Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing—and how teams can accelerate their progress through effective collaboration and structured learning experiences. Recognizing these stages helps teams navigate challenges more effectively and reach high performance faster.

As one participant aptly put it, “A really fun and rewarding way to develop as a team!”

A Perfect Day for Team Growth

Beyond the virtual island adventure, the team at COWI Sweden also enjoyed a sunny spring day, making the most of their lunch walk and reinforcing the importance of both mental and physical well-being in the workplace.

Join the Miki Island Experience

Miki Island is more than just a workshop—it’s a transformative team development experience that brings people together, fosters collaboration, and equips teams with the skills to thrive. A huge thanks to Gustav Sjöholm for facilitating this engaging session, and to the fantastic team at COWI Sweden for their enthusiasm and participation!

Interested in taking your team on an unforgettable journey? Reach out to us and embark on your own Miki Island adventure!