Imagine a small Southern town teetering on the edge of decline. Businesses were closing, families were moving away, and the once vibrant sense of community seemed to be fading. This was Colquitt, Georgia, in the early 1990s. Like so many rural towns, Colquitt was searching for a way to reignite its economy and its spirit.
Instead of giving up or relying on external solutions, the people of Colquitt turned inward—to their stories, their traditions, and each other. They created something extraordinary: a theatrical production called “Swamp Gravy,” built entirely from the real-life stories of the town’s residents. This wasn’t just a play – it was a lifeline.
The project involved the entire community, from collecting oral histories to performing on stage. Swamp Gravy didn’t just bring in audiences and revitalize the economy; it brought people together, gave them a shared sense of purpose, and restored pride in their town.
The Problem Isn’t Just in Small Towns
The challenges Colquitt faced—disconnection, a lack of shared vision, and dwindling energy—aren’t unique to small towns. I see these same struggles in the companies and organizations I work with every day. In one client workshop, I guided a team through a timeline storytelling activity, and they spent five minutes laughing and recalling the time they had a flood in their office. It was a meaningful part of their history, and revisiting it brought them together. It was a thread that connected them, and it sparked the kind of energy and camaraderie they needed to tackle their current challenges.
In today’s workplace, teams are often distributed across time zones and continents. Even those working in the same office may feel disconnected, misaligned on goals, or stuck in routines that stifle creativity. Productivity falters, communication breaks down, and innovation feels out of reach. Meetings feel like a waste of time, projects drag on, and teams lack energy and trust. When people don’t feel connected to each other or to a larger purpose, productivity and morale suffer.
The Swamp Gravy Solution
So, what can we learn from Colquitt? The town’s solution wasn’t just creative; it was deeply human. By turning to storytelling and collaboration, they transformed their culture. Through Swamp Gravy, neighbors who hadn’t spoken in years worked side by side, fostering stronger connections. Residents felt renewed pride as they appreciated their shared history and community. Tourism surged, fueling economic growth, while the town’s identity was celebrated and revitalized. This wasn’t magic; it was the result of creativity, collaboration, and a willingness to think outside the box. Colquitt used what they already had: their stories, their people, and their collective will.
Why This Matters for Teams and Organizations
What Colquitt did with Swamp Gravy is exactly what organizations need to do to overcome disconnection and stagnation. It’s about more than solving problems; it’s about creating a culture where people feel engaged, valued, and energized. In my work as a facilitator and coach, I use tools like experiential workshops, play-based learning, and creative problem-solving to help teams achieve exactly that.
Just as storytelling united Colquitt, workshops and team-building activities bring people together in meaningful ways. When people feel connected, they communicate and collaborate more effectively. Swamp Gravy turned everyday stories into art. Similarly, play and experiential learning can unlock fresh ideas and innovative solutions in the workplace. By focusing on shared experiences, teams can shift their mindset from “just getting through the day” to working with purpose and excitement. Improved communication, collaboration, and problem-solving lead to measurable gains in productivity and innovation.
Your Path to Possibility
The story of Swamp Gravy is a reminder that solutions don’t always come from fancy tools, big budgets, or overly complicated strategies that miss the human element. Sometimes, the answer is already within your team. It’s in the stories you share, the connections you forge, and the creativity you unleash when you dare to think differently.
If your team feels stuck, disconnected, or uninspired, consider how experiential workshops and innovative approaches could help. You don’t need to write a play— but you do need to create a space where people can connect, collaborate, and create something extraordinary together.
Just like Colquitt, your team has the potential to transform—not just to fix what’s broken, but to build something even better. If you’re ready to explore how to make this transformation, connect with me, at marcy@engagingplay.com, and let’s discover your Swamp Gravy moment together.
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