Just boarded the train to start the journey home, which including the bus to get to the station, is going to be around an 11-hour journey ahead. It might be the worst part of any trip, but I am looking forward to getting home to my family, bed and an electric toothbrush.
There was a "fair bit" of drinking going on during this trip and I haven't had so much to drink since the Fest3 in Krakow in 2018. That seems like a very long time ago. I didn't drink so much overall though, but the lack of quality sleep is weighing on me. I have had more sleep here than normal even perhaps, but sharing a room doesn't give for rest and last night, my knee kept waking me up whenever I moved slightly.
I think that the biggest energy stealing issue was the "always on" feeling with colleagues and because there was a lack of privacy, there was very little respite. I still find it hard to relax in a situation like this, but the people who are used to ski and cabin trips with large groups of friends, had no such issue.
The culture is kind of cool like this though, as it all becomes less formal and even though there are technical hierarchy and seniority differences between the group, it never felt like it during the week. Most were Scandinavian where social convention is flatter in general, but even those who came from other European areas slotted right into the groove. There was also a very high up manager from the US who is new to the company and no one had met before who stayed the first few nights, and he definitely scored some points with the team.
The organic and unscheduled structure of the week has meant that the discussion lines were blurred between work and social and while we covered a lot of important points, the main thing of value was building trusted relationships that will come into play in the future. As usual, a lot of people opened up to me about things that they tend not to talk about socially, which demonstrates that trusted relationship progression and, going forward we will collaborate more and more smoothly.
It is a lot more than just sharing a drink though, there is a whole cluster of points that go into relationship development and it has been interesting to see how people have changed toward me, as I am from outside the sales team and new to working with any of them directly. Hopefully, I scored a few points too, at least that will make the pain in my knee worth it.
It has also been interesting to write and share pictures this week, as it has been a "Hive Holiday" in some way also, as I have kept it hopefully lighter and slightly less wordy - but personally, I miss writing more.
How has it been for you?
Right now though, after a while writing in the moving train I am starting to get motion sick, so I will end this one here and see how I feel in the evening once back in Finland. If not tonight - the weekend is here!
Taraz
[ Gen1: Hive ]
I'm glad you survived all the fun - partying, drinking, sleeping in a weird place, bashing your knee because of a youngian (you thought was hurt but turned out to just be an a**hole) - I have a suspicion you will sleep very well tonight.
It was a rough week!!
Folks often feel it easier to open up over a bottle. The good feeling of alcohol can make some a bit more honest with their emotions and the truth spills out along with a drink or two...and relationships are fostered. Cheers!
It is interesting how a chemical can change some people's behavior so much.
Interesting post! I heard the best way to stay on after so much drink is to keep drinking! haahaa, not sure how it helps though! Thanks for sharing this! I hope you arrive in Finland feeling much better!
There are some people who might take your advice on that...
It is a long journey, why not flight? Nowhere is like your home, I think this is a general feeling. Even, some people can't shit somewhere else except their house :)
I don't formal social business organizations. Years ago, workers from my deparment went to a hotel for few days. Most of them went too far with drinking, and it never happened again :)
There is a plane trip in the middle. Either side of the airports though, there are trains or buses.
Finns are well-known for their drinking culture. :)
Sharing accommodation, full schedule, I am surprised you managed to continue with your blogging, well done.
Home soon, good sleep and rest the knee then back up and going again! Happy Friday !LOLZ
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Thick or thin, I haven't missed a day in almost 5 years :)
I will take my daughter for a few hours tomorrow, just to spend some time together. She is upset she will be asleep already when I get home.
Smallsteps will be so happy to have Daddy home, they always are! Enjoy sleeping in your own bed that is a big bonus after being away.
Thinking back I suppose I could add up on my two hands the numbers of days taken for sick leave over the forty working years in corporate, normally got sick on a holiday or two.
It was really nice to see her and - she saved me a piece from her first ever pizza, so we could share some together! :)
This is common, isn't it?
In Finland, there is an agreement that holiday illness is counted as sick days for work and the holidays carried forward. Last year when I had the stroke, it was just before my summer holidays, which meant I didn't lose them through recovery - I still have them in my bank.
Was never off since most times coming back to workload was not worth taking any time off.
Hope the body is slowly recovering from stroke, have a few clients of my son who are now after a couple of years getting back to feeling more adjusted to their old self.
Enjoy the pizza slice, daughters always love to save things for when you return, hope it's still fresh!
Haha. I find it amusing how you tend to link back the post to your knee when everyone is least expecting it! Haha.
Anyway, I too attended such retreats before during my internship. As I was doing multiple stints of consulting, we do have multiple of such retreats, just that none of them were to overseas. I made an observation though. In most of the trips, it was still very bureaucratic as the senior management tend to keeps an arm length from the rest, making the entire event very "tedious" and everyone was dreading for it to end. On the other hand, there was a memorable one whereby the Manager literally joined us and literally assimilate into the group. It was really pleasant and I would say that would be a memorable retreat!
Though it was a retreat meant to enjoy and all, I learnt an important lesson and told myself. Had I one day ever be a manager, I would definitely be one whereby my peers respect and regard me as a friend, and not because of my title. It also shaped me to empower others. I learnt minute things like as the most senior ranking in a meeting, always allow the most junior ranking to voice out first as they would often have a herd mentality and follow on what the most senior person would say if otherwise for fear of offending. Well, then again, probably this is Asian culture?
I am so glad it wasn't like this!!
It is nice in this company, as while not everyone is necessarily "friends" there is still a lot of joking and the attitude of "assume best intentions" when talking about anything and everything. People don't take offence very often - as long as the conversation is genuine.
Hahaha. "Assumed best intentions" sure is an interesting concept! Haha. Yea, but I realise that many a times, the highest ranking officer for that group really can make or break the entire event. You only need one nincompoop and the painstakingly planned event will just go down the drain!
It was nice and fun trip, but physically tiring, especially as you continued to blog despite difficult circumstances. Fortunately, you have this weekend for complete rest and preparation.
good evening👍
Weekend of family time :)
I've always slept on train because of fatigue. It's the part I don't like about travelling. You should rest after arriving and be careful about your knee
Sleep on the train?? I couldn't do that!
Sometimes journeys and trips can make us homesick, especially after being without family for many days.
Happy weekend! @tarazkp
Yeah - it is good to be home :)
"I miss writing more", is the honest statement of a true writer.
May I ask your opinion on one thing, Sir?
What do you think about someone you just met telling you about their privacy?
If you mean what do I think about almost strangers telling me about their personal lives, I have no issue with it. If they are comfortable to share, they can.
To appreciate the person who has shared his personal life with you, will you also share a little story of your life with him?
Often I will.
Thank you very much Mr. Taraz.
Hope you are always healthy.
I wish you a safe trip back home and can't wait to see your next post
Thank you.
Building relationships can be hard but easy when you open your mind to it.
It must have been really hard for you, but I'm happy you could get some points.
I hope your knees get better when you get home.
I'm happy I could read about your experience on the trip you went on through this amazing post.
Thank you for sharing, my warm regards to your family at home.
I'm always glad to see home on those trips. A day or two at the most. Then I am done. You would be wrecked from being switched on the whole day and night.