Management
If the shared experiences are very memorable, the bonding process can be continually reinforced by recalling the activity, and also by identifying similar situations at work –
‘this is just like when we …’
DISADVANTAGES
Too enjoyable
It is quite possible that participants become so wrapped up in enjoying an outdoor exercise that learning is lost.
Sometimes teams who overemphasize the enjoyment factor tend also to have problems taking each other seriously at work.
This can largely be overcome by careful facilitation of the reflection stage following the exercise, helping delegates to recognize the power of the experience as well as the enjoyment.
Role adoption
Some people may overreact to the ‘color’ of an exercise and behave abnormally. This has an obviously unfavorable effect on the learning process and can be avoided by careful exercise design.
Denial
Delegates sometimes complain that the exercises are not realistic or are an unfair reflection of their working environment. There are two reasons for this:
1 It is reasonable criticism. If so, efforts should be made to remedy the situation. It is unhelpful and potentially destructive to learning to ask someone from a particular culture to behave in a way not acceptable in that culture. It would be unhelpful to encourage too much creativity and initiative in delegates from a highly structured and systemized organization.
2 It is a way of avoiding real issues. Sometimes people use denial (“I wouldn’t act like that in real life!”) to evade unwelcome truths. This can only be dealt with by careful review.
To summarize, the way to get the best of outdoor teambuilding training programs is to maximize the benefits and minimize the disadvantages.
Mohamed Ali Shukri is an International award-winning speaker, professional trainer and consultant. He has over 25 years of experience as a public speaker. Mohamed is the first Arab to reach to the World Championship of Public Speaking finals in August 2006 in Washington DC, where he was crowned as one of the “Top Ten Speakers in the World”.
Mohamed has helped many individuals and groups find their true voices and teach them how to effectively and sincerely transfer their ideas and experiences to their audiences. He is currently the Business Development Advisor and Trainer for Leaders Institute for Training and Development, Bahrain.
Workforce Development