PROFILE TEAM BUILDING INSTITUTE( TBI)
Transforming teams with TBi
DR CHRIS HEUNIS AND ROBBIE VERKUYL
Nearly 30 years ago, the Team Building Institute( TBi) was established with a vision to revolutionise how teams and organisations approach development and performance.
Led by CEO Dr Chris Heunis and COO Robbie Verkuyl, TBi emerged as a response to the growing demand for dynamic, experiential learning methods that transcended the conventional seminars and workshops of the time. Motivated by their passion for unlocking human potential and enhancing organisational effectiveness, Heunis and Verkuyl set out to design programmes that were not only informative but transformative.
As with any pioneering endeavour, TBi faced its fair share of challenges in its early years. The unconventional nature of experiential learning was met with scepticism from traditionalists, and carving out a niche in the competitive business training landscape proved no small task. However, persistence and proof of concept became their guiding principles. By demonstrating tangible improvements in team dynamics and productivity, TBi gradually earned credibility and developed a loyal client base.
Growth and evolution
“ Our core principles revolve around practical, experiential learning that directly relates to workplace environments,” Heunis explains.“ We facilitate the transfer of learning experiences by introducing metaphors that remind clients of their learning and the commitments made during the training programme.”
“ When clients reference colours and unconventional terms like‘ A-Ka-So’ in their formal and informal communication, it’ s clear the learning and change have been successfully transferred. This elevates organisational culture to a new level.”
Heunis emphasises,“ Sustained change and development can only be achieved through follow-up. Our programmes are designed to foster self-awareness, team awareness, and a renewed appreciation of core values.”
Verkuyl adds,“ Looking ahead, TBi is committed to integrating more digital tools and platforms to make our training programmes even more accessible and impactful. We also aim to expand our reach in terms of both geographical locations and industry sectors. Another major goal is to further tailor our learning solutions to meet the unique needs of different organisational cultures and generational workforces.”
The impact of TBi’ s training and development programmes is a cornerstone of its philosophy. Through a combination of feedback tools, performance metrics, and follow-up assessments, the organisation measures the effectiveness of its initiatives. The introduction of tools such as the Team Development Inventory allows for real-time assessments, enabling business leaders to implement change initiatives proactively and maintain organisational harmony.
Advice for aspiring leaders in team development
Heunis and Verkuyl offer simple yet profound advice for those pursuing a career in team development and leadership training: remain committed to continuous learning and innovation. As the field continues to evolve, staying abreast of the latest research, tools, and techniques is essential. Most importantly, understanding and addressing the unique needs of each team and organisation is key to creating a lasting impact – because in this field, one size does not fit all.
TBi’ s legacy, built on resilience, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, continues to inspire and transform teams across industries and borders. Their story is a testament to the power of vision and the profound impact of experiential learning in shaping the future of work. ■
72 SA PROFILE www. saprofilemagazine. co. za