Outdoor Experientials
Taking team members away from the workplace affords them space to focus on the programme, the learning being imparted and to participate in new activities that will help their transition towards becoming a high performing team.
Outdoor Experientials
and Outdoor Management Development
Taking team members away from the workplace affords them space to focus on the programme, the learning being imparted and to participate in new activities that will help their transition towards becoming a high performing team.
Time and again we witness the experiences and learning from Acorn’s outdoor experiential programmes are embedded and retained, with participants directly transferring actions on their return to the workplace, evidenced by tangible benefits to the wider team.
Participants consistently demonstrate:
greater unity with their colleagues
acceptance of self, and of each other
understanding of others’ challenges and skills
shared experiences, shared endeavour, shared success
improved transference of learning back to the workplace
Commonality
Everyone enters into the experience, to some extent or another, with a degree of openness. Some will do this more than others but, regardless, it will test everybody.
Togetherness
Everyone works together in an intense manner, one that they don’t normally experience in their workplace; you simply can’t get this from a classroom environment.
Recall
The recall from a good outdoor experience is immense and people will draw upon these for many years ahead.
Connection
Outdoor management development elevates inter-team relationships from mere colleagues to others that one has developed a genuine connection with. Participants talk at different levels, at depth, thanks to the connections established during their experiential programme.
Outdoor management development programmes are a powerful tool when:
They are based on a needs analysis, designed to meet the specific needs of the organisation or project team, and are clearly linked to the vision and business strategy.
They have clearly articulated and overarching learning and development goals, combined with an opportunity for individuals to set personal goals for themselves.
It is well prepared, ensuring that participants have realistic expectations and an understanding of why they are there.
They are based on a needs analysis, designed to meet the specific needs of the client and clearly linked to the vision and business strategy of the organisation.
They have clearly articulated and overarching learning and development goals, combined with an opportunity for individuals to set personal goals for themselves.
It is well prepared, ensuring that participants have realistic expectations and an understanding of why they are there.
It includes challenge by choice with a clear emphasis on the physical safety and psychological wellbeing of participants.
Where do outdoor experientials take place?
Being based on the edge of the Lake District and within easy reach of the Yorkshire Dales is an obvious advantage and many of our outdoor experiential programmes have taken place in the two National Parks.
We’ve also delivered our programmes in Snowdonia, the Cairngorms and the Peak District and, on each occasion, have tailored accommodation and activities to the needs of the participants and the role of the activities in the wider team development programme.
How long will people be away from the workplace?
We appreciate that having a team absent from the workplace will have an impact on any business, and this is the reason why we aim to keep the outdoor experiential focused and concise.
Typically, including travel to the venue, you can expect personnel are away for three or four days.
Is the organisation getting value for money?
It’s understandable that return on investment is demonstrated from the exercise, and we typically include the outdoor experiential element into the wider team coaching programme.
The ROI we will always point towards include:
- Stronger relationships and improved dynamics between team members
- Leadership skills are significantly enhanced
- The transference of learning back to the workplace
- Subsequent reflection upon and application of what they’ve learned
Who delivers the outdoor experientials?
Acorn’s outdoor experientials are facilitated by experienced instructors, all proven professionals who can guide participants through activities, adapt to group dynamics, provide insights, and draw out lessons that align with the programme’s objectives.
What if people don't want to take part in an acitivty?
The outdoor experiential element of an management development programme can promote personal growth by pushing participants out of their comfort zones. This can lead to increased self-awareness and resilience, as individuals learn to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles.
That said, Acorn promotes ‘challenge by choice’ and participants will never be pressured to take part in any activity which is beyond their perceived or actual capabilities, nor will they be judged for non-participation.
And the retention and transference of learning?
The outdoor experiential element is just one part of Acorn’s team coaching programmes, and subsequent sessions require participants to reflect upon and apply what they’ve learned back into the workplace.
By implementing these and other additional strategies, Acorn maximise the effectiveness of outdoor experientials, ensuring that participants gain valuable skills and insights that translate into improved team performance and leadership within their organisation.
The Lake District
Being based in Kendal means we have the beautiful English Lake District right on our doorstep. Over the years we have welcomed participants to Lake Windermere, explored local rivers and foothills, as well as tackling some of the highest peaks in the National Park.
Yorkshire Dales
Also within easy reach, the Dales have provided a wealth of wonderful locations for our outdoor experiential sessions. In places, the scenery is every bit as stunning as the Lakes with some of the best caving networks in the country providing a unforgettable, challenging experience.
Peak District
Right in the heart of England, the Peak District offers landscapes that can be as tranquil and relaxing or as harsh and challenging as anywhere else in the country – rolling hills, craggy outcrops, hiking and biking.
Wales
Both Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons have provided some of our most memorable experiences, with participants leaving equally exhilarated and emboldened!