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Cultivating a Workplace of Positivity: Lessons from a Place Where Only Good Exists

by

The Power of Positivity in Workplaces

Much like Ancient Lore Village was designed to be a retreat from the chaos of the modern world, Agile teams using the SWAY System thrive when they are shielded from unnecessary negativity, micromanagement, and rigid structures. This mindset encourages:

    • Collaboration Over Competition – Agile’s emphasis on cross-functional teams means that success is shared, not hoarded. Teams that celebrate collective wins and learn from setbacks together create a culture where only good exists.
    • Adaptive Problem-Solving – Change is inevitable, but in an Agile environment, it’s not feared—it’s embraced. By fostering psychological safety, team members feel comfortable proposing new ideas and pivoting when needed without fear of blame.
    • Frequent Positive Reinforcement – Regular retrospectives and stand-ups encourage team members to acknowledge each other’s contributions, reinforcing a cycle of appreciation and continuous improvement.
Enjoying archery in the natural beauty of the wooded hillside at Ancient Lore Village
Dinner at Ancient Lore Village

At Ancient Lore Village, we were introduced to Agile and the SWAY System by the creator of the SWAY System herself, Marina Alex. Marina became our business coach and truly transformed our management and operational business model and we have seen overwhelming positive results, from revenue growth, to lowered employee turnover rates, and overall guest satisfaction. To learn more about Agile and SWAY visit https://www.swaysystem.org/ and set up a consultation with Marina! You can also request a copy of our case study to see the results this method had on our quaint Village.

Bringing the Spirit of Ancient Lore Village to Your Office

Bonfire in the Village Gardens

At Ancient Lore Village, the experience is designed around harmony, storytelling, and meaningful connection—qualities that are essential for any workplace looking to embrace an Agile approach. Here’s how businesses can apply these principles:

  1. Create Spaces for Connection – Just as Ancient Lore Village fosters community through shared experiences, Agile companies benefit from open collaboration spaces, team-building retreats, and opportunities to step away from daily tasks to realign on values.
  2. Encourage Storytelling in Leadership – Leaders who share experiences, lessons learned, and visions for the future create a culture of trust and engagement. Storytelling isn’t just for campfires—it’s a tool that connects employees to a greater purpose.
  3. Build a Culture of Psychological Safety – When employees feel safe to speak up, experiment, and learn from failures, they contribute their best work. Much like how Ancient Lore Village offers a sanctuary for the soul, companies should strive to be a sanctuary for innovation.

Transform Your Team in a Place Where Only Good Exists

Bringing a people-first mindset into the workplace fosters an environment where positivity isn’t just an afterthought—it’s a way of operating. Whether you’re looking to refresh your leadership approach, strengthen team dynamics, or simply take a step back to refocus on what truly matters, a retreat into nature and connection might be just what your team needs.

Looking for a team-building retreat that embodies this philosophy? Explore corporate retreats at Ancient Lore Village and give your team the space to recharge, reconnect, and reimagine a workplace where only good exists. In need of speakers or facilitators for your meeting or retreat? We can provide that as well!