DE

Strengthening Bonds and Reflecting on Teamwork
A Transformative Red Sea Retreat Experience

FNF Jordan Team

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Jordan Team held a three-day retreat in Aqaba, Jordan, from January 19 to 22, 2025. The event took place at the Hyatt Regency Aqaba Ayla and focused on reflection, collaboration, and strategic planning for the year ahead.
 

Day 1: Reflection and Feedback

The retreat began with a journey from Amman to Aqaba, followed by an afternoon dedicated to reflection and feedback. The session, titled “What Went Well?”, allowed team members to define achievements, identify areas that did not meet expectations, and outline priorities for the new year. One participant remarked, “This session gave us the clarity we needed to move forward with a stronger focus.” Another noted, “Reflecting on our successes and challenges was a valuable exercise that will shape our goals for 2025.”

 

FNF Jordan Team during the brainstorming session

FNF Jordan Team Engaged in Strategic Discussions During the Aqaba Retreat

Day 2: Team Building and Professional Development

The second day centered on strengthening collaboration and fostering professional growth. A series of team-building activities helped enhance communication and synergy within the group. Later, a career planning and visualisation exercise encouraged participants to align their personal aspirations with the organization’s objectives, fostering a forward-looking perspective. “The career planning session inspired me to think more strategically about my role,” shared a participant.

FNF Jordan Team with winning prizes

Team members proudly receiving their prizes for outstanding teamwork during the team-building activities session

Day 3: Governance and Strategic Planning

Governance and planning took center stage on the third day. A virtual session on the “Code of Conduct”, led by Frau Mikhaela Lissowsky, reinforced ethical standards and organizational integrity. This was followed by a presentation on the bylaws by Mr. Joerg Dehnert, emphasizing structural clarity. In the afternoon, breakout sessions allowed the content team to work on strategic plan development and internal organization, while the finance team focused on preparation for 2025. The outcomes of these sessions were shared in a plenary, ensuring alignment across teams. One highlighted, “The breakout sessions were instrumental in fine-tuning our strategies and fostering cross-team collaboration.”

FNF MENA Regional Director in the process of revising Positives and Challenges

Analyzing Positives and Challenges: Team Task During the Aqaba Retreat

Day 4: Next Steps

The final day concluded with a comprehensive reflection and wrap-up session. Participants evaluated the retreat’s outcomes, identified areas for improvement, and outlined actionable next steps. “This retreat has set the foundation for a productive and impactful year ahead,” commented a team member. The retreat ended with a sense of accomplishment and a shared commitment to the year’s objectives.

It underscored FNF’s commitment to enhancing teamwork, advancing professional development, and aligning strategic goals across its regional teams. The active participation and guidance of the Regional Director, Mr. Joerg Dehnert, played a pivotal role in steering the discussions and ensuring that the foundation's vision and values were effectively integrated into the plans. Through dynamic discussions and actionable planning, the event reflected the foundation’s core principles of innovation, collaboration, and effective leadership.