Learning by doing is at the heart of Outward Bound's approach. The concept is simple - we call it the Action Learning Cycle: People perform an action, then reflect on what they learned. From this comes new ideas and approaches, from which new behaviors are adopted.
Our Approach to Training
Assessment - Phase I
We perform interviews, questionnaires and meetings with the company's top executives and some course participants to determine program scope, goals and desired results. Using data from the online Leadership Development Profile, we custom design the successive phases.
Design - Phase II
We tailor programs to build on the existing strengths of your company while focusing on individual, team and organizational needs and objectives.
Delivery - Phase III
Our programs use a combination of experiential problem-solving exercises, ropes courses and wilderness expeditions as vehicles to explore individual and organizational behavior. These elements allow groups to explore the complexities of working together while analyzing critical factors of success and growth in order to apply those lessons to the work environment.
Follow Up - Phase IV
Working with clients after the program ensures that the key learnings and behavioral changes are incorporated into the work culture.
Our Programs
Outward Bound's Programs can be delivered to you at your own site, at a facility close by to you, at one of our basecamps around the country, entirely in the wilderness or even on a short adventure trip called our Executive Leadership Expeditions. The options are up to youOutward Bound professional programs also come in a variety of lengths. From a half to one day program to any number of additional days along with program followup.
Our programs often combine indoor and outdoor activities and can be held at conference centers, urban parks, rural basecamps or wilderness settings. Program itineraries can be as short as a day or continue on a regular schedule over several months.We can also help you decide on what kinds of Assessment Tools and Outcomes you're after. With this many options, it's best to contact us and let us help you determine which program, what length and where your program should occur based on your company's needs.
Learning Modules
This is a sample list of learning modules that we use. We determine which module to use based on the needs of the client.
High-Performance Teams
Maximizing team performance: managing the task, the team and individual contributors. Challenges allow the team to learn by doing, by observing peers and by getting and giving performance feedback.
Leveraging Leadership Style
Selecting the most effective leadership approach. How individual differences influence successful interactions and performance. Focus is on how leadership styles apply in the workplace.
Leadership and You
Exploring the dynamics of leadership from all sides. Rotation of leaders provides learning through practice, observation and feedback.
Making Meetings Work
Running high-energy, effective, efficient meetings. Action activities provide venue for presentation, problem solving, meeting practice and action plan.
Coaching
Inspiring and counseling others to outperform their own expectations. Activities develop leaders' coaching skills.
Conflict Management
Dealing effectively in the workplace with conflict between individuals. Activities allow assessment of different conflict management styles.
Customer Service
Providing top-notch customer service. Activities build skills needed to ensure customers have a positive experience. How to deal with customers' expectations and manage conflict.
