High Ropes Course Programs: My Personal Paradox
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
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High Ropes Course - www.create-learning.com

 

High Ropes-Courses, I have a continual struggle with using them for Team-Building.

I was really against it then Christine (my wife) went away for a Leadership Training with her work. She called me and shared the wonderful experience she had on a High Ropes Course…and that shook my thinking.

High Ropes Courses are most effective for individual vs. element issues (i.e., identifying what’s holding you back from moving forward, getting over fears, and moving forward); it helps leaders create new pathways for thinking and behavior. Ropes Courses are also beneficial for creating a strong bond within a group. When properly sequenced they help teammates better trust one another.

Create-Learning Ropes Course Outcomes:

  • Enhanced trust, support and encouragement between team members.
  • Appreciation for the unique strengths and contributions that each person has.
  • Confidence and courage to try new processes and ideas.
  • Enhanced feeling of culture and team connection.
  • Amazing shared memories that will last.

I know the above statements to be true…

Please share your ideas on the value of High Ropes Courses for Corporate Development; Youth Development; and other applications that you are familiar with. I am curious to hear what you think?

 

michael cardus is create-learning

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Related posts:

  1. Praise for the High Performance Teambuilding Program
  2. Scaling Challenge of Choice. High Ropes Course Processing & Reflection
  3. Hanging on the High Ropes Course
Category: Buffalo NY, Challenge by Choice, Challenge Course, College, Corporate Team Building, Experiential Theory, Images, Leadership, Manager Training, Rochester NY, Ropes Course, School Activities, Team Building, Team Building Activity, Team Building New York, Western New York, Youth Activities

Comments

6 Responses

  1. Hans Mundahl 

    I’ve sometimes felt a high challenge element seems like a let down especially in a 1 day team building environment where an adult client is having big breakthroughs in the morning with initiatives.

    But I don’t think the value of a culminating experience should be overlooked – also one that doesn’t need interpretation to see the success.

  2. michael cardus 

    Hmm. Hans…
    I agree that a 1 day program, in my experience is tough in many contexts and when it is ending with a high ropes course – which follow low elements (which is a standard sequencing model) a let down can occur.
    In the past I have done that in the reverse…started with Who are you & Trust stuff went to highs for individual growth then brought it to lows for team development and processed accordingly.
    Your like “One doesn’t need interpretation to see success” is great!

  3. Chris Reich 

    Sharing fear has some value. But overcoming the fear of moving forward (whatever that means) is not going to change. If someone needs to learn how to make business decision, they need business training. Rope courses are fun and a nice break from work and that has value in itself.
    Chris Reich
    Teachu.com

  4. michael cardus 

    Chris.
    Thank you for reminding me that also am guilty of falling into “model worship”…
    When I agree that for business specific roles you need business specific training or else the concepts may be lost to the aether.
    Which is why ropes courses + facilitators need to be honest with themselves and customer what can be accomplished.

  5. Harold Compton 

    Having gone through a week long course and later taught a week long course I have some doubts about a 1 day course. Yes they are fun and can help some to overcome some fears but doubt that they acheive the goal of real team building.

  6. mike 

    Harold.
    Alright and like you mentioned what are the goals? that will really determine what can be achieved.