You’ve heard it a thousand times: “We need more team building.”

But the hard trust is that most team building isn’t building anything.

Too often, leaders confuse bonding with building, or slap the team building label on a group outing with zero structure and even less purpose. Not all team building is created equal, and the biggest confusion usually comes from two specific types: bonding and entertaining.

Just because your team went bowling doesn’t mean they’re suddenly better communicators. And no one walks out of a happy hour with enhanced collaboration skills. Fun? Sure. Impactful? Not necessarily.

The Empowering Shift of Finding Your Community

Have you ever shared an exciting business idea with your partner, only to be met with hesitation... or a little too much enthusiasm?

Here’s the thing: sometimes your significant other, your closest friends, or even your family members aren’t the best sounding board for your biggest ideas or boldest challenges. Not because they don’t love you... but because they do.

Your partner might want to protect you from failure or burnout, and understandably so. Maybe they’re not in your industry, and they can’t quite grasp the nuance behind your frustration or drive. Their support, while well-intentioned, might sound like: “Maybe it’s time to give this up.” or “Just go for it! It’ll work out!”

Neither response is always helpful when you need strategy, perspective, or experience.

I used to say, “I like individuals, but I don’t like people.”

It was a badge of honor, one that signified my preference for deep, meaningful relationships over surface-level interactions. But if I’m being honest, it was also a shield. A way to protect myself from the discomfort of forced interactions, small talk, or the energy-draining experience of being around too many people at once.

Over the years, I’ve been on a journey, a radical shift in how I approach leadership, connection, and ultimately, kindness. I’ve come to realize that one of the most underrated leadership skills is something we rarely talk about: being self-aware of the energy and vibe we give off.

And that shift started with a simple but powerful lesson from my coach, Ed Sult .

Life really is a great adventure.

The continuous process of personal growth, learning, and evolving throughout your short existence here on earth, with all its challenges and triumphs, is the most meaningful and exciting experience one can have.

And we're all here just thinking about tomorrow, or task lists, or how we didn't get enough sleep last night.

The slog of daily life can easily make us forget this great adventure we get to experience every single day.

I'm not suggesting everyday has to be better than the last. But I am suggesting you not allow the days to turn into weeks, turn into months, turn into years that you allow to pass by.

Every aspiring leader can benefit from guidance, feedback, and coaching, even those who coach or mentor others.

But if you work in the coaching or mentoring space, who do you turn to for guidance?

You could look to another person... but what if you turned to AI instead?

You may already be skilled, insightful, and driven, but with the right leader, whether human or AI, you could be even better. C.A.R.L. acts as that reliable guide, offering perspective, accountability, and a structured framework for growth. He's a Response Leader. He's ready and waiting to help you level up.

With the snow days behind us and warmer weather returning, it's no surprise your team is eager to get outside. Even if they managed to enjoy a quick snowball fight or brisk walk during the colder months, much of their time has likely been spent cooped up indoors.

Now is the perfect opportunity to shift gears and plan an outdoor adventure that brings your team together while reaping the benefits of sunshine, fresh air, and collaboration.

Spring and summer are ideal seasons for outdoor team-building activities in Charleston. Whether you're planning something fun and lighthearted or an experience focused on building deeper connections and trust, there are countless options to fit your goals.

At On Purpose Adventures, we believe that exceptional leadership is not just about strategy and performance metrics—it's about fostering connection and cohesion within teams. Our Cohesion Culture™ program is designed to help organizations retain talent by cultivating environments where employees feel a strong sense of belonging, value, and shared mutual commitments. Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters is a transformative guide for leaders seeking to infuse cohesion into every interaction, gathering, and team-building event.

No matter how many times you get knocked down, you can get back up again.

We all need that reminder sometimes. Leaders especially need to remember that even those in the highest executive positions have been knocked down before... And they'll be knocked down again.

No matter how focused, determined, or proactive you are, setbacks and hardships are inevitable. I hate to be the one to tell you, but that's just life.

As the saying goes, "It's how you get back up that counts."