Team collaboration's the winner at SMU WOW Amazing Race 2023

SMU faculty and staff were primed for excitement on 3 November 2023 as they gathered at the T-Junction at the SMU Concourse for the 10^th SMU Amazing Race.

Much like previous editions, the latest iteration of the race was a vibrant mix of challenges and camaraderie and placed a focus on positive team building and wellness. But where before, participants formed their own teams of four to six members, 2023’s event had sign-ups choose a maximum of three members. After which, SMU HR colleagues matched two teams across departments, with the goal of fostering cross-departmental collaboration. In total, 130 racers from SMU’s faculty and staff signed up – a number that matched last year’s turnout.

Beyond accelerating team development through experiential activities, SMU Amazing Race 2023 also saw the incorporation of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) component. “In collaboration with SMU’s C4SR (Centre for Social Responsibility), we identified Catholic Welfare Services as the beneficiary to receive $1,300 worth of grocery items, assembled into hampers by the 22 participating teams,” shared Lynn Yue from the SMU WOW Committee.

“The groceries were then distributed to shelters through Catholic Welfare Services, contributing to a meaningful and impactful aspect of this year’s race.”

This year’s theme saw racers embarking on a Monopoly-style race – grabbing “properties” while completing challenges around SMU. These challenges not only put racers’ physical abilities to the test, but also saw them exercise their mental agility and flex their teamwork.

Despite it being a competitive race, the atmosphere was lively — one filled with laughter and mutual encouragement, and racers were rallied to emphasise collective achievements over individual victories.

“Some of us participated in previous runs of the SMU Amazing Race, so we knew it could get physically challenging. But our team quickly agreed on a common goal to enjoy ourselves and have fun with the challenges,” shared Aries Ong of the Office of the Registrar, whose team eventually won.

This ethos of fun did not, however, preclude a strategic approach to the challenges faced by participants. The triumph of some teams was as much a result of their positive mindset as it was of their methodical allocation of responsibilities.

Elaborating, Jasmine Lim from LKCBS said, “We were candid in sharing what we felt were our strengths, and volunteered to take on roles that matched them – such as a member who was good at navigating taking charge of planning the route and so on. Overall, our attitude was just to say positive and keep moving forward.”

Bridging the gap between individual competencies and team success, the group’s experience underscores a universal truth in collaborative efforts: It's not just pre-existing relationships or well-matched skills that forge a successful team, but also the collective attitude and communication.

Reflecting on the changes to this year’s team formation, Aries remarked, “When we talk about teamwork, the first instinct is to gather people whom you have known for a while or worked well together with. However, this win shows that a shared positive mindset and sincere, open communication can help unfamiliar members to work seamlessly together.”

“On this note, we would like to thank the SMU WOW Committee for making the bold decision to mix colleagues from different offices, and for all their efforts in putting this amazing race together!”

Following the exciting Amazing Race, SMU faculty and staff enjoyed the annual Fruits Fiesta near Campus Green – with an added Durian Feast, featuring the highly sought-after Musang King durians. This activity received overwhelmingly positive feedback, rounding off a delightful experience that was made possible by the unwavering support of SMU’s HR team, putting into action SMU’s commitment to foster a positive and rewarding workplace culture.