When you think about orientation what comes to mind? Low-key introductions and formal settling into the workplace. That is how most organizations do it but we take a different approach.

The RIVE & Co. staff orientation and training was hosted at Giraffe Hotel in Dar es Salaam in a vibrant conference room filled with eager participants. During the two- day activity, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement, learning, challenges, and lots of fun.

It was facilitated by the Partners of RIVE &Co and Sudesh Kaka as the Principal Coach.

Day 1: Mindset Shift and Purpose

Scene 1: Did we just see a Rock star or an attorney?

In the absence of purpose, people lack energy and are lost. As such, we couldn’t have thought about starting the day without our Managing Partner- Shehzada Walli giving opening remarks. What no one saw coming was him coming on stage like a Rock Star! Music in the air, an energized atmosphere, and lots of laughter welcomed him as he jogged his way to the front of the training room.

“It’s a new dawn. We have abiding possibilities. Tonight, we unite to do something none of us could do by ourselves. The Partners of this firm are glad to have each one of you on the journey”, Shehzada echoed. “Welcome to the Staff orientation and training once again and over to Sudesh- the Coach and trainer”

Scene 2: Icebreakers That Break the Ice (Literally)

Sudesh asks each participant to pair up with someone preferably their height. He leads them into a Retro dance as staff sings along to “Enjoy” by Jux featuring Diamond Platinum.

Scene 3: Trust and principles of personal excellence

Who says learning can’t be highly interactive? Sudesh facilitated a session to help staff cultivate the most important aspect of human relationships- trust. Thereafter staff were led into a discussion on the three key principles of personal excellence; attitude, momentum, and raising standards.

Scene 4: The RIVE&Co Culture

“Culture will eat Strategy for breakfast”, was the major takeaway from the session. The RIVE way- our culture blueprint consists of a core purpose. A core purpose is more succinct, clear & powerful than either a Vision or Mission statement (possibly because a lot of Vision and mission statements are wishy-washy and effectively meaningless)

Core values are essence statements that guide the team on what kind of behavior is tolerated or prohibited.

Our Core purpose is to “ Build trust through credibility and novelty” Our core values are Respect, Play, and Community.

And that was day one!

Workshop by: Sudesh Kaka

Day 2: Objectives and the Team

Scene 1: Breakout Sessions That Birthed Creativity and essence of the Value we deliver.

“We get paid for bringing value to the marketplace. It takes time, but we get paid for the value, not the time.”

As RIVE&Co it’s important to understand why clients buy from us. With such an understanding, we can refine our value proposition, stay relevant, and drive innovation.

Breakout sessions for different Departments brainstormed, presented, and refine the CVPs.

Scene 2: Team Building Session.

The team-building session was by the beach. It was designed to test creativity, communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. Staff engaged in different activities for the afternoon.

Closing Scene: The Unforgettable Finale- BBQ

We closed off day 2 seated by the beach with lots of food, drinks, and laughter. There was a newfound camaraderie.