Understanding Teams

Teams come in all shapes and sizes - leaving RVA as Championship Organisations

We understand that becoming a “Championship Organisation” requires more than just good leadership and teamwork. Organisations, businesses, divisions and departments operate at many different levels and must identify objectives to build on specific strengths at each of these levels.

After establishing specific objectives for a programme and identifying what stage of growth the group, team or organisation is already at, we piece together the components for a successful course. We select from:

•    Off ground challenge activities
•    On ground strategic exercises
•    Large scale cultural empowerment events
•    Adventure activities
•    Theory, discussion and facilitation

All of CAT’s programmes focus on leadership and teamwork. Personal leadership is the cornerstone to cultural change, teamwork, innovation and higher output. It is the base model for all of our programmes.

Sadly many outdoor trainers exist who run standardized programmes for all participants. Just as participants come physically and mentally in all shapes and sizes so do companies and of course the training needs vary greatly.

1. Start with the group and individual

Activities need to provide opportunities for personal growth and challenge, and for the development of trust and support between team members. Participants need to get a sense of empowerment from their experience of the activities.
Initiative games open groups up to each other and allow people to learn about their own personal style in a group. When combined with adventurous activities we build very close working relationships.

2. Then the team and vision

Exercises highlight the difference between being part of a small, easily managed group and a large, more complex team. Activities encourage people to see the big picture of teamwork in their organisation, and to develop strategies for sharing information and maintaining a common focus. Focus on common organisational vision and values are paramount.

3. Finally the business machine

Once the foundation for becoming a Championship Organisation has been built we are ready to work on the business machine. Through practice and reflection teams adopt continuous improvement as a way of operating. Improved performance is measured and celebrated and
through activities that mirror the workplace we can further maximise team skills.
With follow up and in particular giving teams the ability to self follow up, the effects of the programme can be maintained back in the workplace at a similar level or better.