A break from everyday work and time for shared experiences: from 18 to 20 September 2026, 25 team leaders and managers from Gottwald spent a special team-building weekend in Ramsau am Dachstein. Together with Felix Gottwald, they focused on leadership and, above all, on working together.
The aim of these days was clear: to step back from daily routines, deepen conversations, strengthen team spirit and experience leadership in practice. Movement, health, mindfulness and shared activities were therefore central to the programme. Before it could begin, however, there was one first task: arriving safely in Ramsau. Our driver Michael from Zwölfer Reisen took care of that. We are always happy to rely on him for our outings and team events. Whenever we travel by coach, he is our first choice. Thank you, Michael!
The “smallest trophy”
One idea stayed with us throughout the weekend: the “smallest trophy”. Right at the beginning, everyone considered which personal little trophy they wanted to win, rediscover or uncover. This was not about a grand prize, but about a small insight or change to take back into everyday life.
This theme kept returning throughout the weekend: more than listening and talking about change, it was about trying things, experiencing them and taking something useful into the present.
Experiencing leadership differently
On Friday, the group headed outdoors and got moving. Around the ski jump in Ramsau, the focus was on travelling together and consciously changing perspective. The next morning began unusually early: at 6:13 a.m., a morning routine invited everyone to pause, mobilise their bodies and do something good for their backs. A healthy breakfast followed.
A particular highlight was the shared hike through the Silberkarklamm gorge. Under the theme “Leading and being led”, leadership became a direct experience. Questions about trust, safety, freedom and individual leadership styles accompanied the participants along the way. One central insight was that valuable leadership starts with leading yourself.
Cooking together, trying new things and hitting the target
The group also worked together in the kitchen. The shared vegan cooking workshop at the Biochi Academy showed how food can bring a team together. Everyone cooked, tried something new and, of course, enjoyed the meal together afterwards.
On Sunday, it was time to step out of the comfort zone once more. During archery, the challenge was to take a stance, choose a target, trust yourself and let go at the right moment. The exercise offered a fitting connection to everyday leadership.
What will we take into our everyday lives?
After three intensive days, the key question was not how much we had done, but rather: What will stay with us?
This brought the “smallest trophy” back into focus. Which small part of these shared days will actually find its way into everyday life? How will we notice that we are continuing to practise? And how might our colleagues and teams notice it too? These questions will stay with the participants beyond the weekend.
In the end, change does not always have to be big. Sometimes a small thought, a new habit or a different attitude is enough to make a difference.
25 people, three days together and probably just as many different “smallest trophies” to take home.
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