Meet David: Co-Founder & Team Facilitator

Meet David, the powerhouse behind Level Up Teambuilding and one of the driving forces behind the high-energy experiences we offer to teams in Fredericton and beyond. With a passion for building – whether it’s physical structures or strong teams – David’s journey to becoming a team trainer and facilitator is as unique as the team-building events he leads.

From Austria with Passion
Born and raised in a small village in Austria, David’s childhood was all about building and creating. What started with Lego and RC planes evolved into constructing treehouses and even small dams by the creek near his house. By the age of 15, David began his apprenticeship in construction, where he learned the value of creativity and hands-on problem solving. In Austria, each building is unique – brick houses, straw bale homes, clay structures – making the world of construction a fascinating, ever-changing landscape for David.

At 18, David joined the mandatory military, which taught him discipline and gave him intense, sometimes uncomfortable experiences that pushed him out of his comfort zone. Despite the challenges, David soon found himself leading teams at construction sites, taking on responsibilities well beyond his years. His approach? Step out of the comfort zone, face the challenges head-on, and become the best. It was this mindset that led David to become one of the top professionals in his trade.

A Passion for Team Building
After 15 years of non-stop work, David’s life took an unexpected but exciting turn. He met a team trainer who introduced him to the world of high-rope gardens and firewalking during a 10-day team-building event. The experience captivated him so deeply that he knew he had to become a trainer himself. Soon after, David transitioned from construction to becoming a certified High-Rope Garden Safety Manager and Team Trainer, blending his passion for building with his newfound love for team development.

His career took him to work with top sports teams in Austria and Turkey, where he had the chance to train elite athletes in soccer – Europe’s most beloved sport. But as much as he enjoyed his work, David’s path took another exciting turn when he met Martina during one of these events. The connection was instant, and little did he know at the time, she would become the mother of his three beautiful children.

A New Chapter: From Europe to Asia to Canada
After years of running successful team-building events in Austria, David and Martina set their sights on expanding their horizons. They moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where they experienced a new culture, a new way of life, and learned invaluable lessons about business and luxury. It was a time of growth and reflection – one that eventually led them to the realization that their future wasn’t in Malaysia, but in Canada.

After falling in love with New Brunswick and the potential it offered for building and renovating properties, they made Fredericton their home. Here, they began a new chapter – one where their constant willingness to step out of their comfort zones would become a powerful force for positive change in the world of corporate team-building.

A Message for Teams in the Maritimes
David and Martina’s journey proves that extraordinary things are possible when you push past your limits and embrace change. It’s this spirit of growth and transformation that they bring to every team-building event they lead. Whether you’re a corporate team, an elite sports team, or a group looking to bond and grow together, David’s diverse background – spanning construction, high-performance sports, and team training – offers a wealth of knowledge and experience to help your team succeed.

The best part? If David and Martina can do it, so can you! Their hands-on approach, combined with practical tips and insights, will help your team build stronger bonds, communicate better, and achieve new heights. Because in their world, the sky really is the limit.

Ready to level up your team? Let’s make it happen!

How to Make Employee Appreciation Day Truly Meaningful

Employee Appreciation Day is coming up on Friday, March 7, and it’s the perfect opportunity to recognize everything your team does to contribute to your organization’s success. But here’s the catch – it has to be meaningful.

With 51% of employees feeling disengaged at work, as per Gallup (a problem that costs businesses billions each year, by the way), appreciation isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s essential for morale, productivity, and retention. The challenge? Traditional, impersonal rewards don’t work.

The Power of Recognition: The Stats Speak for Themselves

  • 40% of employees say they’d work harder if they were recognized more often, yet 82% don’t feel their supervisors recognize them enough, according to OGO.
  • 90% of employees who received thanks or recognition from their boss felt more trust in that person, versus only 48% who didn’t receive recognition, as reported by SHRM.
  • If organizations doubled the number of employees who receive weekly recognition, they’d experience a 24% increase in quality, a 27% reduction in absenteeism, and a 10% reduction in shrinkage, Gallup research showed.

What Employees Actually Appreciate

True recognition goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach. Here are some thoughtful ways to celebrate your team:

  1. Personalized Recognition – A heartfelt thank-you note, a public shout-out, or a tailored gift shows real appreciation.
  2. Experiential Rewards – Organize a team outing, an engaging activity, or even a half-day off to recharge.
  3. Professional Growth Opportunities – Invest in training, workshops, or mentorship programs to show you value their development.
  4. Flexible Work Perks – Surprise your team with remote work options, extended lunch breaks, or an extra day off.
  5. Team-Building Activities – Strengthen connections through collaborative challenges or fun, interactive sessions.

Creating a Culture of Appreciation: Key Actions for a Thriving Workplace

1. Value Your Employees

  • Show gratitude and maintain a positive work environment.
  • Celebrate wins – big or small. Because every success counts!

2. Understand What Matters

  • Observe and recognize what truly motivates your employees.

3. Make Work Fun & Engaging

  • Add creativity and playfulness to meetings to foster collaboration.

4. Encourage Social Connections

  • Host company-sponsored happy hours for team bonding.
  • Surprise your team with morning treats like muffins or Tim Horton’s coffee.

5. Support Professional Growth

  • Share bite-sized communication tips – Jefferson Fisher’s YouTube content is a great resource.
  • Host communication workshops to help employees:
    • Give and receive feedback constructively.
    • Handle misunderstandings effectively.
    • Build confidence in everyday interactions.

6. Strengthen Team Unity

  • Schedule regular team-building events to enhance connection and communication.
  • Focus on team goals by:
    • Highlighting collective achievements over individual success.
    • Ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
    • Providing constructive feedback privately and respectfully.

7. Adapt to Hybrid Work

  • Design activities that engage both remote and in-office employees.

8. Plan In-Person Team Events

  • Annual face-to-face gatherings build trust, connection, and collaboration.

9. Prioritize Team Collaboration

  • Organize problem-solving activities that emphasize teamwork over individual contributions.

A culture of appreciation isn’t just about recognizing employees – it’s about fostering an environment where they feel valued, supported, and connected every day.

Make Appreciation a Year-Round Habit

While March 7 is a great reminder, recognition should be ongoing. A culture of appreciation doesn’t just boost engagement for a day – it transforms workplace morale long-term. How do you plan to show appreciation this year? Set your Goals now and transform your team and workplace.

At Level Up Teambuilding, we help organizations create stronger teams through meaningful experiences. Want ideas to truly celebrate Employee Appreciation Day? Reach out – we’d love to help!

Who We See Is Not Who We Talk To

Level Up Teambuilding

Who We See Is Not Who We Talk To: Understanding Perspectives in Everyday Life

Have you ever found yourself irritated by someone who seems to be acting inconsiderately? Maybe a driver in front of you is moving too slowly, making you late for work. Your instinct is to honk, shout, or let frustration take over. But pause for a moment – why is that driver going so slow? Are they lost? Are they nervous or dealing with a personal issue? Does your anger change the situation, or does it only add stress to both of you?

The Hidden Stories Behind People’s Actions

Every person carries a story that isn’t always visible to those around them. The driver who seems hesitant may be a new driver or an elderly person trying to be cautious. The cashier who appears disengaged might be dealing with personal struggles. The colleague who seems impatient could have had a sleepless night caring for a sick child. The coworker who is moody and snappy in the morning might be dealing with personal grief or stress that has nothing to do with you. We only capture a brief moment of their reality, and without knowing their background, we risk making unfair assumptions. (Read here to my blog article about “The 4 Agreements” in Communication)

Instead of reacting based on surface-level impressions, we can choose to pause, reflect, and shift our perspective. This simple yet powerful mindset change fosters deeper connections, strengthens relationships, and enhances daily interactions.

The Power of Changing Perspectives

Effective communication and relationships require the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. When you encounter a frustrating situation, consider the following approaches:

  1. Pause Before Reacting – If someone’s behavior frustrates you, take a moment to breathe. Ask yourself: Could there be something going on in their life that I don’t know about?
  2. Practice Empathy – Instead of labeling someone as ‘difficult’ or ‘negative,’ try to understand their perspective. A simple, genuine question like “Is everything okay?” can open doors to better communication.
  3. Assume Good Intentions – Most people do not act out of malice. More often, stress, personal struggles, or miscommunication drive negative interactions.
  4. Control Your Own Reactions – Does yelling at the slow driver or getting angry at a cashier make the situation better? Likely not. Instead, focus on your own response and keep your emotions in check.
  5. Lead by Example – Demonstrate patience, understanding, and emotional intelligence. Your approach to handling conflicts will set the tone for others.

Strengthening Relationships Through Empathy

At Level Up Teambuilding, we observe these dynamics in real time. Through our interactive team activities, we guide participants to recognize these unseen perspectives. We provide real-time feedback, share insights, and encourage constructive conversations that help each person grow.

Empathy and understanding are like muscles – the more you practice, the stronger they become. Life is an ever-evolving environment where interactions thrive on open-mindedness and emotional intelligence. Every encounter is an opportunity to build trust, create meaningful connections, and enhance relationships.

Start Today: Cultivate an Open Mindset

Great relationships are built on mutual respect and a willingness to see beyond surface behaviors. Next time you find yourself judging a stranger or a coworker, take a step back. Consider their possible struggles, offer kindness, and shift your perspective. By doing so, you contribute to a more understanding, supportive, and positive world.

At Level Up Teambuilding, we help teams and individuals develop these essential skills through hands-on experiences and expert facilitation. Join us in fostering a culture where understanding and empathy lead to stronger, more successful interactions at work and in everyday life.

Building Stronger Teams on Family Day

Family Day is more than just a long weekend – it’s a reminder of the importance of connection, togetherness, and appreciation for the people who support us. While traditionally focused on family at home, it’s also a great opportunity to reflect on the family-like bonds we build in the workplace.

Why Family Day Matters for Team Building

A strong, connected team isn’t just about productivity; it’s about trust, support, and a sense of belonging. Studies show that employees who feel valued and connected to their team are more engaged, perform better, and are less likely to leave their jobs.

On Family Day, consider ways to bring that same sense of connection into your workplace.

Ideas to Celebrate Family Day at Work

  1. Host a Team Appreciation Event – Take time to recognize your team’s contributions, whether through a team lunch, virtual get-together, or a simple thank-you message.
  2. Encourage Work-Life Balance – Give employees the flexibility to spend time with their loved ones by offering an early finish or a day off.
  3. Share Personal Stories – Encourage team members to share something about their families, traditions, or values, fostering deeper understanding and connection.
  4. Engage in a Fun Team-Building Activity – Whether it’s a collaborative challenge, problem-solving game, or outdoor adventure, meaningful experiences strengthen bonds.
  5. Support a Community Initiative – Encourage employees to give back by volunteering together or supporting a local family-focused charity.

Turning Teams into Work Families

A thriving team culture mirrors the best aspects of a family – support, communication, and mutual respect. When employees feel like they belong, they’re more engaged and motivated to contribute.

How do you plan to celebrate Family Day with your team?

At Level Up Teambuilding, we create experiences that help teams bond, grow, and thrive together. Looking for ways to strengthen your team’s connections this Family Day? Let’s talk!

Happy Family Day! Your Level Up Team 🙂

#FamilyDay #TeamBuilding #StrongerTogether #LevelUp

Why the Best Teams Don’t Always Start as Friends

When we think about great teams, we often picture a group of close-knit friends who enjoy working together. While friendships in the workplace can be beneficial, they aren’t what makes a team truly high-performing. In fact, some of the most successful teams start as strangers – or even as individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives.

So what really makes a team thrive? Trust, collaboration, and shared goals. Let’s explore why friendship isn’t a requirement for a strong team – and what truly matters when building one.

Trust and Collaboration Over Friendship

Strong teams don’t rely on personal connections alone; they are built on a foundation of trust, clear communication, and accountability. Here’s why these elements matter more than friendship:

✔ Trust Creates Safety: Team members need to feel psychologically safe – the confidence that they can speak up, share ideas, and take risks without fear of being shut down. This trust allows innovation to flourish.

✔ Diverse Perspectives Drive Better Decisions: When teams are built on skills and expertise rather than friendships, they bring diverse viewpoints to the table, leading to stronger problem-solving and creativity.

✔ Collaboration Beats Comfort Zones: Friends may hesitate to challenge each other or hold each other accountable. High-performing teams focus on constructive feedback and healthy conflict, ensuring continuous improvement.

✔ Respect and Shared Goals Create Unity: A strong team doesn’t need to socialize outside of work. They just need mutual respect and alignment toward a common goal.

How to Build a Strong Team Without Relying on Friendships

If your team isn’t naturally close, don’t worry! Great teamwork can be developed with the right approach. Here’s where to start:

1. Foster Open Communication 🗣️

Encourage regular check-ins, team meetings, and open discussions where everyone’s voice is heard. Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or structured stand-up meetings can help ensure smooth communication.

2. Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities 📌

Confusion leads to frustration. Make sure everyone knows their role and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Clear expectations build trust and efficiency.

3. Create Opportunities for Team Bonding (Without Forcing Friendships) 🎯

Teambuilding activities don’t have to mean forced social outings. Instead, try engaging activities that build trust and problem-solving skills, like:

  • Escape rooms
  • Collaborative challenges
  • Workshops focused on leadership and communication

4. Encourage Constructive Feedback and Accountability ✅

Normalize feedback as part of growth. Teams that openly discuss what’s working and what isn’t develop a culture of continuous improvement.

5. Align Everyone Toward a Common Goal 🎯

A team that works toward a shared vision and mission naturally develops a sense of unity. Regularly reinforce why their work matters and celebrate milestones together.

Final Thoughts

The best teams aren’t necessarily the ones that start as friends – they’re the ones that grow into high-functioning, trusting, and collaborative groups. Friendship can be a bonus, but a strong team is built on trust, respect, and shared goals.

So instead of focusing on who “clicks” socially, focus on how well your team works together. When you create a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration, friendships may follow – but success will come first.

Watch Your Language! How Words Shape Your Leadership and Team Results

Level Up Teambuilding

As a leader, you know that your words carry influence. The way you communicate with your team shapes their perception of challenges, fuels motivation, and can either build confidence or discourage progress. If you’re striving to achieve greater results, it’s worth taking a closer look at the language you use daily. Words can limit us or set us free; they can either build a foundation for success or subtly hold us back. Here’s why transformational language matters in leadership and how you can use it to create a positive, results-driven culture.

How Words Influence Team Mindset and Actions

Every word you use as a leader leaves an impression on your team. Words paint a picture, evoke emotions, and shape everyone’s understanding of what’s possible. Over time, the language you habitually use with your team begins to dictate how they perceive challenges and approach goals. If you’re consistently using words like “stress,” “pressure,” or “problem,” you’re not just describing situations; you’re framing the team’s mindset around them.

On the other hand, language that encourages confidence, resilience, and positivity makes a noticeable difference in the way a team tackles its goals. Positive and empowering words can increase engagement, encourage creativity, and result in improved performance, helping your team—and you—achieve desired outcomes.

The Science Behind Language and Team Dynamics

Words don’t just shape team morale; they also impact everyone on a biochemical level. Negative language triggers stress responses, releasing cortisol and other stress hormones, which contribute to a tense and reactive environment. On the flip side, positive, confidence-boosting language can help release dopamine, oxytocin, and other chemicals that promote a sense of calm, collaboration, and optimism.

So, if you shift your vocabulary, you’re not only changing your team’s mindset but also promoting a healthier, more resilient environment for everyone involved.

Words and Their Impact on Team States

Consider some commonly used words and the different emotional states they can evoke in a team setting. Reflect on the language you often use and consider whether it might be influencing your team’s mindset in ways that hold them back or lift them up.

Words That Lower Team Energy:

  • “Stressed” – reinforces a high-pressure, tense environment.
  • “Exhausted” – can make challenges feel overwhelming.
  • “Overwhelmed” – leaves little room for optimism or creative solutions.
  • “Problem” – focuses on obstacles instead of solutions.
  • “Discouraged” – can make team members feel ineffective or limited.

Words That Energize and Empower the Team:

  • “Challenge” – promotes a growth mindset and encourages resilience.
  • “Focused” – channels energy towards goals and priorities.
  • “Opportunity” – opens the door for creative problem-solving.
  • “Committed” – reinforces dedication and motivation.
  • “Empowered” – fosters autonomy and ownership of tasks.

Think about how your language impacts the way your team approaches tasks. Is your language creating a sense of stress, or is it inspiring engagement and resilience? By softening and refining the words you use, you can promote a culture of positivity and open communication.

Shifting Language to Transform Team Dynamics

Transforming the language you use as a leader might feel like a small shift, but it can have a powerful ripple effect across your team. Here are a few strategies to help you cultivate empowering, results-oriented language:

  1. Identify and Reframe Negative Language: Notice any words that might be creating a reactive environment. Instead of saying “this problem is urgent,” try saying “we’re focused on a solution.” Reframing even a few common words can significantly shift team dynamics.
  2. Use Empowering Words Consistently: Start incorporating words that inspire confidence and motivation. Replace “I hope we can” with “we’re committed to,” and “I think” with “I believe.” These small changes can improve morale and clarity.
  3. Foster Language of Growth and Opportunity: When discussing goals and challenges, use words that invite growth. Terms like “opportunity,” “challenge,” and “potential” encourage team members to see each situation as a chance to excel.
  4. Practice Positive Reinforcement: Words like “focused,” “energized,” and “motivated” promote a constructive mindset that contributes to better performance. Reinforce progress and effort with language that makes team members feel capable and appreciated.

Small Changes, Big Results

By shifting your language, you’re not only creating a more constructive mindset within yourself as a leader but also promoting a healthier, more resilient team environment. As you make these small adjustments, you’ll notice how your team’s responses evolve, often with improved engagement, clearer communication, and a greater sense of unity.

Final Thoughts

Words are powerful tools, and as a leader, you have the ability to create a culture that supports the mindset and results you want. Watching your language and making intentional adjustments can elevate your team’s experience, helping you reach your goals together. Consider how you can start today: Are your words supporting the kind of workplace you envision? By making these small changes, you’ll be creating a more positive and impactful team culture, one word at a time.