Adding an Outdoor Element to Programmes

"The outdoors provides a rich arena for memorable and enjoyable experiences"

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 Centre of Excellence outdoor facilities.

This inclusion of such a powerful learning experience, particularly for both Leadership and Teambuilding courses, can range from 10% of the content to 80%. It depends on both the client and delegate's needs.

Our programmes are designed to increase delegates' self-confidence and to improve personal effectiveness at work. Implicit within the programme content are 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, trying out new leadership and management styles and ideas in an environment which is ‘safe’ and risk-managed.

Each exercise/project is followed by a detailed review of what went well and not so well. Delegates are encouraged to offer each other informed and 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 observations made on the programme. 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.

Delegates of all physical fitness and experience are welcome – consequently, all participants can see a successful outcome to their involvement. Activities are specially designed to be safe, and are closely monitored. Where applicable, 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.

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 be launched correctly and safely, returning to earth by parachute!

We offer structured business games involving communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, presentation skills - all using specific outdoor problem exercises. 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'. We can provide 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 the beautiful Cleeve Hill: 1,000 acres of common land, woods and moors at 1,000ft above sea level. This particular exercise is for those organisations who want to really physically stretch their participants.