Soft skills

Team building in the great outdoors

Experiential learning is one of the most effective means of bonding a team, writes Dinesh Vohra

Corporate success depends on the quality of leadership and its influence on team members. An able leader is the backbone of good and dynamic team activities in an organisation. One of the most powerful tools used to enhance group activities and their effectiveness is through organising adventure sports or games for team members. It is established that outdoor activities bring benefits to team members when compared to in-house or simulated conditions.

Adventure sport programmes help team members accomplish specific objectives using interactive group exercises, physical and mental challenges, and facilitated discussions. Studies in this field have shown that learning from these exercises significantly improves productivity and relationships.

The suggested outdoor activities can be grouped into Ice-breakers (warming up), Main Course (the rigours) and Summing Up (cooling down). The leadership must plan the meet in such a way that it opens on an easy and lighter note. The opening should be a lot of fun and frolic, with bonding activities. It helps people ward off inhibitions and breaks mental barriers. Understanding and warmth of relationships works wonders. Such sessions infuse energy and excitement into team events.

The second level is the real testing ground, and more serious in nature. It involves mental and physical endur-ance tests, including activities such as monkey-crawling exercises, crossing fast-moving rivers holding ropes, high altitude training, and taking people to tough terrains. Group discussions and other mental exercises can be organised during camp-fire time.

The last part is the cooling down and returning-to-normal routine. It is also the time to relax, and then stay in that state for a few days (minimum three days) before they return to their workplace.

Adventure sports and games are activities that serve as ice-breakers, encourage people to relax, and break mental and physical barriers. Such games also help people take the initiative to handle difficult problems and solve them with timely precision. These activities are a good start for corporate meetings, and help build team spirit among members or participants. Adventure games also foster fun as a value in your work culture, and increase productivity by setting the right tone. They bring people into action-mode, and enhance teamwork through motivation.

Dinesh Vohra is the author of 'Success Is Just Six Steps Away'