Space, Space, Space – Change the Experience, Change the Mindset

A few years ago, Danica and I spent nearly a week at Walt Disney World, completely immersed in what I can only describe as a truly magical learning experience at Disney Institute.

One core message that stuck with us—and one we now share with our clients—is this:
Change the experience, and you change the mindset. When you change the mindset, you align the team.

Now, when I say, “change the experience,” I don’t mean it has to be extravagant or costly. Even a small shift in the environment can create a deeper emotional connection to a message. To shift the mindset, you need to reach people emotionally. Let’s be honest—we’re emotional creatures. We like to feel important, understood, and valued. So, why not give your team the VIP treatment?

If you’re a leader, you have the power—and responsibility—to create the space and choose the space that fosters meaningful and impactful connection.

Let me break that down for you.

1. Create the Space to Connect (Yes, this means making time.)

I get it—we’re all busy. But great leaders don’t let the calendar run them. They say:
“Things won’t slow down, so we’re holding this date two months from now. Make it work. See you there.”

And guess what? People make it work. That’s what it means to create space. It’s intentional. It’s prioritized. It’s leadership in action.

2. Find the Right Space (What kind and how often.)

This refers to both frequency and format. Every leader of people should establish at least two key touchpoints each year:

Annual Offsite:
Depending on your role and team size, this could range from a one-day session to a multi-day retreat. Larger organizations might invest in travel, but for most teams, a local full-day offsite is plenty powerful.

Mid-Year Alignment Session:
A half-day or full-day refresh to reconnect and realign on goals, progress, and purpose.

You’ll notice these don’t demand a massive time investment—but they deliver massive returns in team connection, alignment, and energy.

3. Where Space (Location matters.)

Now here’s where things get fun—and impactful. The location you choose can dramatically shape the energy and outcomes of your gathering.

Here’s a story:

We worked with a division leader whose vision was all about “Driving Innovation.” So, where did we hold his offsite?
A car museum. Yep—complete with an executive boardroom overlooking a floor of classic cars.

Before the meeting began, his team had 30 minutes to explore the museum, with instructions to meet at the Corvette section. Surrounded by models from the first-ever Corvette to the latest designs, the leader used the evolution of the car to kick off the day’s discussion on innovation. That physical space created an emotional connection. And that emotional connection set the perfect tone.

Or take last month, when I had the privilege of working with a pharmaceutical team in Vermont. These are scientists—PhDs, master’s degrees, brilliant minds. But here’s what I’ve learned: whether you’re a scientist or a shop-floor technician, the rules of emotional engagement don’t change. People are people.

This leader held his second annual offsite at a VRBO on the edge of Lake Champlain. The environment was casual yet intentional. It calmed the mind and sparked creativity. Everyone arrived open and ready. The difference? The space.

Most people have positive memories associated with a lakeside cabin—relaxation, reflection, peace. That emotional state opened them up. Some studies even suggest creativity can increase by up to 40% in settings like this. Contrast that with a stale corporate boardroom—loaded with negative associations, stressful meetings, or just plain boredom—and it’s no wonder creativity gets stifled.

Now let me ask you—what kind of space will you create?

JOE KIEDINGER

ACTION PLAN: If you want to brainstorm something unique, powerful, and inspiring for your team, give me a call. You’ll be amazed at the difference just one conversation can make.