Succeeding in a Slowing Economy
Organizational Success During Times of Economic Stress With the specter of a looming “economic downturn” upon us, many business leaders are being forced to tighten their belts and rethink their future expenditures. During times like this, off-site retreats and holiday parties are doubtless going to take a lower priority. The irony is now – when things are most challenging for both businesses and their clients – it is even more... [Read More...]
Team Building Takes Time
One of the reasons that “team building” has a dubious reputation is the proliferation of recreational experience providers that bill themselves as team building programs. Team building activities can take the shape of any number of experiences, but it is the facilitated discussion during the event that changes the activity from recreation to something more. Without discussion of the activity and its relationship to real-life, very... [Read More...]
Team Building Gets a Bad Rap
I just read another blog posting about how useless team building exercises are with regards to effective work teams. You know, the kind of article that starts out with a cliche about some ‘touchy-feely’ ice-breaker and what a waste of time it was. And have you seen the Geico commercial that shows the CEO taking a trust fall with the Gecko? Yikes! Team building really gets a bad rap! It is unfortunate that there are so many poorly facilitated... [Read More...]
Adventure Weekends Near Maryland Virginia and Washington DC
Multi-Sport Adventures Near Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC Teams and work groups perform at their peak when they learn to trust one another. One of the simplest and most effective ways to gain trust and commitment is through a shared experience – especially a shared physical challenge. Our Multi-Sport Adventures are designed to provide the vehicle for building that trust while enjoying an outdoor experience with your workmates. Combining... [Read More...]
Caving Instruction near Maryland Virginia and Washington DC
Caving near Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC Caves are found in every state in the US, and on every continent on the planet. In West Virginia, there are over 2000 explored caves, making it an excellent place for you to enjoy your first caving adventure! Caving at Whiting's Neck Whiting’s Neck and Indian Caves Our ‘local’ caves are Whiting’s Neck and Indian Caves, near Martinsburg, WV. Situated near the Potomac... [Read More...]
Rock Climbing at Great Falls Park VA
Rock Climbing at Great Falls Park, Virginia One of the best climbing areas in the DC Metropolitan Area is located along the Potomac River at Great Falls Park, Virginia. The park itself has plenty of places to picnic and hike, with scenic overlooks of the gorgeous Potomac River. Numerous climbing routes and places for a good long rappel give opportunities for climbers from novice to expert. Climbing at Great Falls Getting to Great Falls Park, Virginia: Great... [Read More...]
Rock Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain Dickerson MD
Rock Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain, Dickerson, MD Beginners and experienced climbers alike will enjoy the secluded and shady climbs at Sugarloaf Mountain. With plenty of opportunities for bouldering and easy access to top-roping anchors, the Devil’s Kitchen and Boy Scout Ledges areas are a great place for individuals and groups to come and learn “the vertical dance” of rock climbing. Climbing at Sugarloaf Mountain Rock Climbing... [Read More...]
Teams Benefit from Slowing Economy
A Slow Economy is Time for Business Process Improvement You’re probably thinking “How could anyone benefit from a slowing economy?” Well, this statement certainly needs clarification. Not every team will benefit from economic hardship. In fact, many teams will shrink (labor statistics are a blatant example of this sad reality) and many benefits will be cut. Managers and business owners are ‘tightening their belts.’ For... [Read More...]
Making the Case for Team Building
Mouse Trap Trust Exercise Over the years I have had the good fortune of working with groups from a wide variety of fields and populations – from youth camps, schools and Scouts to NGO’s, small businesses and government agencies. The individuals who contact me to secure a team building program usually have a general idea of team building and often have a general goal of getting to know each other, enhancing interpersonal communication... [Read More...]
The Trouble with Team Projects
Team Cohesion Improves Team Performance I used to dread “group-work” in high school. I’m sure you all know what I’m referring to – our teachers would force us to “team-up” with 3 other students to collaborate on a small group project. It was expected that this quartet of misfits would bond through shared experience, put their heads together, share the work-load equally, and come up with a product that was... [Read More...]
