Goldman Sachs builds a stronger team by building bikes for kids. This economic giant of the financial sector predicts strong economic growth in 2011. Right now, it is doing something to help those hardest hit by the faltering economy. As part of countrywide meeting, their buzzword, with a heart is, “ownership.” Ownership of projects, teamwork, and community needs. A powerful team building event and community need came together under the banner of Build-A-Bike.

The Goldman Sachs folks pulled off their ties, and jackets, learned a little more about themselves and their colleagues, and had a whole lot of fun. They used the strengths of individuals on their team to solve puzzles, and come up with a team name or motto. They laughed, clowned around, and competed to see who could build a bike the quickest.

Yes, there was a winner – a group of kids whose families have been walloped by this stumbling economy.  All of the Goldman Sachs people won as well.One participant, wiping her eyes, quipped, “I’m such a girl.” I noticed there was a shine in the eyes of some of the men as well. Chad Agnew, Vice President at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, in the Chicago office, thanked me for a wonderful event, and sent me a message saying, “Everyone is talking about it. Thank you.” The Children’s Aid Society of New York City told me that seeing her child smile and laugh with her new bike made her cry. Isn’t that what giving back really means?  by Connie Timpson/Sr. Instructor/Performance Coach/The Leader’s Institute