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These courses are designed to increase delegates' self-confidence and to improve personal effectiveness at work. Implicit within the content is the role of the leader and the application of effective teamwork to problem solving. Also implicit is risk taking in problem analysis. Participants are encouraged to take calculated risks and try out new management styles and ideas in an environment which is essentially safe.
Each exercise/project is followed by a detailed review of what went well and badly with delegates encouraged to offer each other constructive feedback. An integral part of the programme is that participants draw on the trust, support and honesty of each other. The atmosphere is open and constructive with a tutorial style which is both challenging and supportive.
The structure of experience followed by review enables delegates to learn from and act on actual observations made on the course. In this way the importance of good planning and of a management strategy are constantly reinforced. As the course continues and the delegates become more skilled and developed, so the success rate in completing tasks as a team increases dramatically.
Tasks may be based both 'outside' and 'indoors' but the courses are not demanding of physical strength and fitness. We see all shapes and sizes and all ages and everyone has seen a successful outcome to their involvement. Neither is it dangerous as the activities are closely monitored and where appropriate, every possible safety precaution is taken. The rationale is simply that the outdoors provides a rich area for experiences which are memorable, stimulating and enjoyable.
For example:
We have over ten permanent structures that depict a specific problem for the team to solve. This may be crossing the 'shark infested waters' with only a plank and several objects as stepping stones (the old ones are the best!) to negotiating an obstacle blindfolded. There is collecting and negotiating the purchase of the parts to build a rocket which must launched correctly and safely and return to earth by parachute.
We have business games involving communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, presentation skills all using specific outdoor problem exercises.
Then there is 'Merry go Round', a complex brainteaser of a treasure hunt which really stretches Leadership and Teambuilding skills.
For the more adventurous course there is 'The Canister' to be located, negotiating problems such as The Plank, Tarzan Swing and Spider's Web, whilst all the time avoiding a competitive team trying to reach the same goal.
Finally, we have 'Man Hunt'. A day long exercise up on Cleeve Hill; 1000 acres of common land, woods and moors at 1000ft above sea level. This particular exercise is for those organisations who want to really physically stretch their participants.
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For some of our Management and Supervisory courses we are requested by the client or we advise the use of management problem solving exercises using the 'outdoors'. This inclusion of such a powerful learning experience especially for both Leadership and Teambuilding courses can range from 10% of the course content to 80%. It depends on both the client and delegate's needs.
