Seven Myths Regarding Team Building At A Challenge Course
Myth 1: The Exercises Need To Be Outside In Good Weather
Fact: Using our portable equipment, meaningful and engaging exercises can be done indoors. This allows programs to be done year round regardless of the weather. This portable equipment can even be brought to your location or other third party locations like a hotel, park or conference center.
Myth 2: Challenge Course Participants Need To Be Physically Fit
Fact: False. More important than physical fitness is a group’s willingness to try new things and get outside their comfort zone. A good sense of humor helps a lot.
Myth 3: Challenge Course Participants Must Go Up In The Air
Fact: Not required. Many fun and high-energy exercises are done on the ground. Challenge courses operate on a challenge by choice so participants can choose to “opt out” of a particular exercise or contribute in other ways that eliminates the need to go up in the air. There are many creative exercises that develop team spirit.
Myth 4: Participants Must Touch Each Other
Fact: Many people are uncomfortable with touching people they do not know. That is why we work on getting people to know each other first. Even then, exercises can be created the do not require participants to touch each other.
Myth 5: Team Building Only Works With Cohesive Groups
Fact: Team building is used to get people to know each other, build trust, improve communication, stimulate problem solving, and foster collaboration amongst team members. Team building can be very effective at building and improving relationships.
Myth 6: Groups Must Succeed To Learn
Fact: People actually learn more when they fail. A good facilitator helps the group reflect after an exercise to answer questions like:
- What worked and what did not go so well?
- What would you do differently?
- How does this relate to what happens in (work, school, home)?
Myth 7: Team Building Is Costly
Fact: Team building is very specific to the groups’ demographics, challenges they are facing, and goals. Meaningful half-day programs can be developed that are sensitive to downtime concerns and budget constraints.
To get five great team building exercises you can do yourself, click here or call us at 301-725-1313. We would be happy to start a conversation with you about your groups’ goals.
Matt Baker, Chief Adventure Officer
Team Building Faciltator
Terrapin Adventures