Testimonials

Microsoft

Creating and implementing the right strategy for an organization requires a combination of creative thinking, deep introspection and effective teamwork.  Bringing these elements together in a team meeting can be a significant challenge.  For our team, IslandWood provided the ideal setting to inspire creative thinking, an outstanding staff to help drive great teamwork and unlock individual and team creativity, and the perfect balance of work time and reflective time that enable the team to come to together in a unique and powerful experience.  I have attended and run dozens of group offsite team meetings, and our IslandWood experience was by far the most productive and enjoyable. I would recommend that anyone who is serious about having an extremely successful meeting plan their next meeting at IslandWood.  

Expeditionary Learning Schools

IslandWood’s new spaces are just what our group needed to have an effective training institute. The Bluebill Cove meeting room allowed us to comfortably meet at tables, and we had space to move around and gather in a circle when needed. The audio and visual were easy to use technology. The integrated white boards on each wall provided all that we need for group discussions. The flexible interior lighting is complemented by the natural light and forest surroundings; we nestled right into our space and work.

All of our facilitators were thrilled with how IslandWood has designed these spaces and can see the thought that went into each detail. We provide professional development trainings in many regions across the country and know there are very few centers that offer such comfortable and well designed accommodations.

Expeditionary Learning Schools is a national not-for-profit school reform organization with a 17-year track record of success in helping both new and existing schools implement a comprehensive, research-based transformation model. To learn more, visit www.elschools.org

 Methodologie

Helped bring our group together. Allowed me to interact with staff members I don’t usually have much to do with. Exercises were fun and, while they required a fair amount of thought, the outdoor setting and the physicality required made them much more interesting (and far outside of our day-to-day duties).

(On a scale of 1-10) 9 - It was a beautiful setting. The IslandWood employees that we interacted with were all personable and helpful. The Team Building exercises were fun and well appreciated by everyone in our group.

The teams course gave me a new way to relate with the people I work with, both strengths and weaknesses. Being put in such a different environment helped me not to fall into my typical pattern of thoughts and expectations and to see how I can translate that into my workday.

Good combo of reflective/individual time, team time, feedback time. (I was fascinated to learn that the quiet time was hard for some)

The team courses were fascinating -- just challenging enough but not so difficult as to become frustrating. The pace of the program was ideal - never rushed, but moving nicely from event to event. Very nice use of the gorgeous natural environment.

 Starbucks

I gained new appreciation for people I work everyday with. The exercises help reinforce other teachings that we have had in the past, and that repetition helps it become real and useful for us.

The facilities are ideal for other outings for our company…I think a “sales” team could be kept busy booking events.
I found working as a team without any hierarchical status very effective in team building. We had a good time, laughed and strengthened our relationships and working styles.

I also found the half-day working program both educational and rewarding. It is very valuable to get out of the office, in the outdoors and change your mindset!!

It provided me an opportunity to step outside of the office environment and connect with my teammates. It also provided me an opportunity to reflect upon my leadership and team skills. Team activities often try my patience, but I found myself able to relax and learn in this outdoor setting. Being outside energized me and I found myself relaxed by the end of the day! I also felt good that I contributed to such a wonderful organization and hope to do so again in the future. (And the food was great and healthy)!

The leadership of the IslandWood staff is phenomenal. The passion in the work is evident.

 Canlis

We built trust, saw each other in new ways, had fun, were stimulated to think differently about process and one another.

It was better than I expected. A whole, complete experience, from the greeting at the door, to food, to professionalism, to the course, to the wrap up.

It was wonderful to get outside of the restaurant and work together – the fact that we did well as a team was a good affirmation. It was an excellent opportunity to hear from everyone – the environment was safe enough where people could be honest. It was beautiful! The leaders did an excellent job at creating a fun environment of expectation and keeping us in the dark about what was next. They watched us carefully, and tailored the challenges to our group - they had interesting insights into our team from an outside perspective.

It was invaluable for me- as the newest employee- to get to spend time with my co-workers away from the restaurant…. The program was obviously well thought out and planned. Our guides were great at making us see the larger picture.

 American Healthways

It was refreshing to be in such a beautiful setting with my colleagues. I appreciated the physical activities and the ideas discussed in terms of trust, teamwork and personal accountability.

(On a scale of 1 – 10 how would you rate your experience at IslandWood?)
10- it was an incredible experience! The food, staff, natural beauty were wonderful! The staff was very helpful and gifted in their leadership activities.

It was perfect. 2 days would have been better!

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