Sink or Swim

The brief for this team building exercise:

‘At 11.00 hrs this morning your team will be carrying out an underwater helicopter sea ditching exercise, requiring them to escape from the ‘dunker’, which will be upside down at the bottom of the pool. You will also carry out a series of sea survival exercises. You will only undertake this exercise if everyone in the team is willing to do so!’

By the end of this event, you will:

• Share a collective experience which will help you to trust each other
• Learn to appreciate your colleagues’ values and opinions
• Gain a greater understanding of your preferred style of working and the impact you have on other team members
• Learn how the team handles sensitive and difficult conversations
• Develop ideas and plans for helping the team to achieve its full potential
• Know how you manage conflict under pressure
• Create personal learning plans for improving yourself and your team

Of all our team events, this one goes closest to the edge in terms of tapping into potential values and beliefs. Sharing what feels like (despite the safety of a swimming pool, backup divers and so on) a near death experience, brings the team together in a unique and lasting way. The ‘emotional glue’ is particularly strong on this exercise.

Of most interest from a leaning perspective is how the discussion unfolds prior to the exercise. Who volunteers to get out of the helicopter last (you have to be good at holding your breath to do so, as 6 other people have to get out first). What happens if someone says they do not wish to do it? How well are the tensions and concerns voiced and how well are differing value systems respected?

Want this session tailored to meet your exact needs?

Contact us for a bespoke detailed session outline, or to arrange a no obligation meeting.