Navigating Change with Confidence
In today’s fast-paced corporate landscape, change is inevitable. When Novartis experienced key leadership transitions, they turned to team building to reinforce collaboration, trust, and adaptability. Escape the Maze by Team Building Asia provided the perfect platform to not just manage change—but thrive in it.
As a champion of change and innovation, Novartis is committed to reimagining medicine, delivering life-changing treatments that empower patients, healthcare professionals, and societies. Their innovative medicines impact over 250 million people worldwide.
Objectives
- Boosting Collaboration, Trust, and Adaptability
- Strengthen Teamwork under Pressure
- Foster Problem-Solving Mindset
Challenges
- Adapting to New Leadership
- Overcoming Communication Gaps
- Managing Time Constraints
Solutions
- Engaging in Escape the Maze Team Building
- Encouraging Strategic Decision-Making
- Creating a Risk-Free Learning Space
Result
- Improved Team Collaboration Amidst Pressure
- Stronger Team Morale
- Enhanced Communication
Why Team Building Matters During Leadership Shifts
A new General Manager brought fresh expectations and perspectives, requiring the team to realign and build cohesion. Recognizing the potential disruptions in communication and productivity, Novartis chose Escape the Maze—a high-energy, strategy-driven activity designed to enhance teamwork and decision-making under pressure.
Enhancing Teamwork and Communication
SYNERGYK’s activities were specifically designed to push teams into scenarios where collaboration was the only way to succeed. Through engaging and complex challenges, participants worked closely together, blending their skills and perspectives to solve problems and achieve common goals. Interactive activities promoted real-time communication, honing participants’ ability to express themselves clearly and listen actively.
A Dynamic, Immersive Experience
From the start, teams were immersed in a fast-paced, problem-solving journey. The final challenge—a high-stakes puzzle—demanded quick thinking, delegation, and risk-taking. Rather than relying on a single leader, the team embraced collective decision-making, reinforcing that success is a shared effort.
One major hurdle? Time constraints. Faced with multiple tasks across locations, the team had to think strategically. Instead of attempting every checkpoint, they focused on maximizing points in one area. This efficient approach, along with specialized role division, significantly boosted performance.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
Escape the Maze mirrored real-world business scenarios, allowing Novartis teams to experiment, make mistakes, and refine their approach in a low-risk environment. The minimal interference from facilitators encouraged innovation, fostering a ‘test and learn’ mindset essential for workplace agility.
Lasting Impact: Beyond the Event
Novartis teams left with:
- A new approach to problem-solving – embracing experimentation over perfection.
- Stronger collaboration – individual setbacks led to shared victories.
- Enhanced communication – sparking discussions on efficiency and adaptability.
The Future of Team Building at Novartis
Would they do it again? Absolutely. The experience highlighted how well-designed team-building activities drive meaningful development. Escape the Maze wasn’t just an event—it was a transformative experience.
Final Thoughts
Change is constant, but adaptability is a skill that can be honed. Novartis learned that through teamwork, trust, and strategic problem-solving, they could navigate complex transitions with confidence.
Facing leadership changes or communication challenges? Escape the Maze is more than a game—it’s a blueprint for success.
Ready to experience it for yourself? Let’s talk.
For more information about the Escape the Maze program click here.
