When I was invited to work with the management team of a fast-growing organization, they faced challenges that are common in many high-performing teams – lack of communication, siloed thinking, and a lack of appreciation for each other’s roles and contributions. Although they were all talented and dedicated leaders, the pressures of their demanding environment led to friction, making collaboration less effective. They needed a way to reconnect, communicate more openly, and recognize the value that each member brought to the team. But instead of the typical team-building workshop, I wanted to take a more creative, experiential approach – something that would allow them to look at their work through a different lens.

I designed the session around the art and science of winemaking, using it as a metaphor for high-functioning teams. Just as a great vineyard depends on the perfect balance of soil, climate, grape variety, fermentation and aging, a successful management team (and every individual in an organization) thrives when diverse talents, perspectives and processes come together in harmony. Each team member plays a key role, just as each element in winemaking contributes to the final product.

We spent the first part of the day at a picturesque vineyard, where a master winemaker guided the team through the complex process of producing high-quality wine. Once they had learned about the importance of balance, patience and precision in wine production, I facilitated discussions on how these principles relate to their own dynamics. For example, we explored how some of the wines take time to mature, similar to strategic decisions that require patience and a long-term vision. We also discussed how different grape varieties bring unique benefits to the blend – just as different leadership styles contribute to the success of an organization.

This was followed by a wine tasting exercise, where each director was given wines to taste and reflect on their unique characteristics. While they sipped and discussed the flavors, I challenged them to draw parallels between the wines and their own team dynamics. Some leaders resonated with bold, structured reds, symbolizing decisive, strategic thinking, while others identified with crisp, balanced whites, reflecting adaptability and diplomacy. This light-hearted but meaningful exercise sparked deep conversations about the importance of appreciating each other’s strengths instead of seeing differences as obstacles.

By the end of the experience, something had changed. The management began to express a newfound appreciation for one another, recognizing how their different leadership styles complemented rather than conflicted with one another. They committed to better communication, actively supporting each other and trusting the joint process – just as a winery must trust the delicate interplay of its elements to create a great vintage.

Back in the office, these lessons translated into tangible results. Over the next few months, the management team noticed improved collaboration, more open exchange of ideas, and a greater sense of unity among the management team. They were no longer operating in silos, but together with a shared vision.

This experience reinforced my belief that sometimes the best leadership lessons come not from traditional conference room discussions, but from immersive, unexpected experiences. By stepping out of their usual roles and embarking on a metaphorical journey, this management team rediscovered the art of working together – one sip at a time.