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Posts Tagged ‘Team Building’

Short duration camping trips have been recognized as a corporate team building experience. Major corporations are using 3-5 day excursions to improve productivity and co-operation among mid and senior level management employees. Employee motivation and productivity lessons, as well as team building activities are particularly effective when presented in the great outdoors.

Most employees are out of their typical environment, and this makes it easier to break down the barriers managers place around themselves in the workplace. While camping, activities that require teamwork, such as canoeing or rafting provide excellent means for employees to work together, and have fun doing so. They can get to know each other in a relaxing, comfortable environment.

The initial set up of the campsite is where it become obvious that teamwork is necessary. Employees should be given tents, and sleeping bags, plus cooking equipment and food, and left alone. The decisions of where to pitch the tents and where to place the fire start to bring out the leadership in people. For those who have never been camping, these decisions force them to consider the suggestions of any experienced campers in the group.

This activity works best when the senior managers are not experienced campers. Persons organizing the camping event should practice a hands-off approach unless there is real danger. If a stubborn person refuses to listen to teammates who suggest not pitching a tent on a rocky surface, let them. One uncomfortable night, and the first lesson will be learned.