Earlier this year, the Forge team packed up the MacBooks, left the Shoreditch office and headed to the Lake District for a memorable couple of days of challenge, reflection, and camaraderie.
We based ourselves in Ambleside, with views of the beautiful Lake Windermere. We weren’t there to relax – well, maybe we thought that's why we were there! The goal was deeper – to step outside of our comfort zones, learn about our individual and collective strengths, and aim to return as a stronger, more connected team.
We experienced the full spectrum of Cumbrian weather – sunshine one moment, torrential rain the next – as we tackled a number of challenges designed to stretch us in lots of uncomfortable ways. Raft building helped us to work on our collaboration and problem-solving skills. Everyone contributed in different ways with some focused on the big picture, others got their hands dirty and some fine-tuned the details that held it all together.
Some of us went abseiling down an old slate mine. Some of us thought they'd only manage the "basic" descent but after plucking up the courage, managed to complete the "expert" descent too.
We had to complete riddles and navigational challenges. It was captivating to watch how we approached the task as a team – some leaping straight in, others stepping back to think strategically. Looking back, it gave us insights into how we work together, especially under pressure.
For some, the adventure continued with a sculptural navigational journey, enjoying hidden art in the landscape. Others took to the hills , climbing up high to enjoy the breathtaking views from the top with some opting to swim in a glacial tarn. And each day was capped with great food and conversation.
At Forge, these annual trips are an important investment in who we are as a team and our culture. Stepping away from the busyness of the day to day gives us different perspectives and allows our minds to breathe. It gives us a chance to win and fail, experience joy and suffer discomfort and show strength as well as vulnerability – but when it doesn't matter as much as when there's more at stake. And this is what can lead to significant self and team improvement for when there is more at stake.
It's also just quite a lot of fun!!