Departmentalisation succeeds when people quickly build trust, clarify roles and communicate effectively. A structured kick-off accelerates the start, especially for newly formed project teams or newly founded departments whose members do not yet know each other. The combination of a sailing event (e.g. on Lake Constance) and a communication workshop creates a clear framework for this: a shared experience, sound reflection - and robust agreements for the collaboration.

Why departmentalisation can fail - and how it succeeds

New departments often start under time pressure: targets are ambitious, responsibilities shift, interfaces are unclear. Frequent stumbling blocks: misunderstandings, unspoken expectations, lack of routines. Successful departmentalisation requires three things: a shared vision, transparent roles and rules and a culture of dialogue. This is exactly where the combination of sailing event and communication workshop comes in.

Sailing event as a kick-off: impact & benefits

Sailing makes collaboration a direct experience: every role is visible, decisions have a direct impact on the result and success can only be achieved together. This experience accelerates relationship building - ideal for departmentalisation and project launches.

Communication workshop: Personality & team roles

In the workshop, we deepen the findings from the water: Which personality types are represented? Which team roles complement each other? What communication rules do we need for meetings, decisions and conflicts? Practical and straightforward - with clear results that work in everyday life.

Process: From the idea to an effective start

• Briefing: Goals, context, stakeholders, time horizon. What should the new department achieve?
• Sailing event (1 day): Kick-off on the water with clear rolls, manoeuvres and short reflection impulses.
• Communication workshop (0.5-1 day): Personality types, team roles, communication rules; documenting agreements.
• Follow-up (after 4-6 weeks): Review the agreements, remove obstacles, plan the next iteration.

Modular and scalable: A half-day trip is suitable for smaller teams, a one-day or two-day package with an in-depth workshop for more intensive goals.

Location example: Lake Constance

Lake Constance offers short distances, reliable conditions and an inspiring backdrop - ideal for the start of a new department. Depending on the weather, we focus on manoeuvre training, navigation or quieter phases for discussions. Basically the departmentalisation with a sailing event and workshop, but can be realised in many places.

Practical exercises on board

• "Man overboard": Coordination, clear commands, quick decisions - communication becomes precise.
• Roll rotation: Change of perspective (helm/foreship/trim) promotes understanding and flexibility.
• Quiet manoeuvre: Minimal language, maximum mindfulness - sharpening non-verbal signals.
• Course planning: Navigation with time pressure & prioritisation - decisions are structured.

Results & Takeaways

FAQ

Who is the format suitable for?

For newly formed departments, interdisciplinary project teams, divisional divisions following reorganisation - wherever collaboration is redefined.

How big should the team be?

Recommendation for the sailing event: 5-7 people on board for an intensive experience. Larger units start in subgroups and bring results together in the workshop.

Do you need sailing experience?

No. All participants are instructed and can actively sail along.

How do we ensure sustainability?

Through documented agreements, a 90-day plan and a binding follow-up with a review of the collaboration.

Conclusion & next steps

Successful departmentalisation is created when people share a common goal, clear roles and effective communication. The sailing event provides the bonding experience, while the communication workshop establishes rules and routines. In this way, a new group quickly becomes an effective team - on Lake Constance and wherever you want to start.