CORPORATE

Quite often in business, colleagues will work side by side for years but not have an opportunity to really get to know their co-workers. This series of activities is designed for a group of people to reacquaint themselves in a way that is engaging and fun. These activities might be considered ice-breakers or energizers, but at Batian’s View we enhance this concept where the group’s individuals interact in creative and engaging ways. Be prepared to laugh with the group, laugh at yourself, and learn more about the little known facts of your co-workers.

In life, as in business, trust is critical to a positive and productive working environment. This program of activities focuses on increasing trust between individuals. We begin slowly with spotting exercises, where one person must allow another into their personal space to ensure his or her safety.

One simple exercise is that of the One on One Trust Fall. In pairs, one person is the spotter and the other the faller. With his or her back to the spotter and with folded arms, the faller will lean back into the outstretched hands of the spotter. This may only be three inches, but far enough that when the spotter’s hands touch the faller’s back, a heightened level of trust results. As the group’s confidence in one another grows, more advanced techniques are employed, such as the Wind in the Willow or the Blind Trust Walk. At the end of this programme your employees will not only know they can trust each other in the Trust Fall, but also when each is accountable for their work in reaching a critical deadline.

When was the last time your team was presented with a challenge that required the problem solving skills and innovation from each and every member? Or have you noticed that within your team very often only a few members speak up and take charge? Have you ever wondered what the full potential is of each of your employees? If so, this is an exceptional progression of problem solving activities that will challenge a group’s mental creativity and physical prowess as they problem solve to escape the clutches of a most perilous situation.

Imagine that you and 10 others are stranded on one side of a bottomless chasm with only a few tools at your disposal and only 10 minutes before a slow moving lava field reaches you. While the scenarios may bring out a few laughs, the communication, discussion and decision making required for success is no laughing matter. In such situations a premium is placed on ideas being voiced and heard, as the group narrows its focus on the most effective solution. Be prepared for frustration as well as moments of ‘ah-ha!’ as the group experiments with the solution that will save the day!

It is no mystery that at times in the business world the hours are long and the stakes are high. It is times like these that a supervisor must rely on his or her employees to go the extra mile, take risks, collaborate and above all communicate. This series of challenges takes the group to a new level of commitment as they overcome obstacles utilizing poles, cables, ropes and boards. Each presents the group with a different challenge placing a premium on problem solving and physical ability. Often these are activities where spotting is required and a heightened level of trust is needed to ensure each individual’s safety. While the objective of an element may be straightforward, completing the task may take much longer than anticipated. The group must take care to follow the rules and avoid short cuts, which can be tempting after several failed attempts. Success is not a guarantee, but even in failure a group is able to evaluate its ‘process’ – the emphasis placed on listening and relationships, versus ‘product’- the level of success. It is not uncommon for a group to fail in achieving it’s ‘product,’ but realize newfound success in terms of ‘process’ and teamwork.

This series of challenges brings the group to new heights, both literally and figuratively, as they take on the High Ropes Course. For such an experience a participant wears a helmet and climbing harness, and is attached to a rope. The climber is belayed by a trained facilitator, whereby slack is taken in as a climber ascends. At 10 meters off the ground participants challenge their fears, negotiate obstacles, expand their comfort zone, and build self-confidence in a safe and supportive environment. Each climber is supported by a team of four people on the ground, ensuring the climber’s physical and emotional well-being. The high course circuit concludes with an exhilarating zip line ride with a panoramic view of Mt. Kenya.