What are ‘Team Development Programmes’ ?

PRISM – The Development Consultancy Limited understands that in today’s market place the success of work based teams is key to the success of the organisation as a whole. Most people we work with know the theory of good team working but many have difficulty in applying it: repeatedly and over time, with quality and under increasing pressures. This is why we offer specific team development programmes using an experiential learning approach – ie. ‘hands on’ tasks and projects that promote learning in a practical way. We create a safe environment for experimentation, discovery and development of new and existing skills. This is done by using activities that have been designed and developed to mirror real life business issues. These activities can take place both indoors and outdoors depending upon client needs..

Not at all – all tasks, activities and projects we use are designed around inclusiveness and participation not overt physicality (unless a client specifically requests physical exercises !).

Programmes operate from the client’s own training facilities if available, or from hotels, conference centres or dedicated training venues anywhere in the UK, or abroad if that suits !

All staff used on experiential development programmes are suitably experienced and qualified in the delivery of activities. Our priority is that all activities are closely supervised and safety is paramount.

Each activity is comprehensively reviewed to gain maximum learning and this is reinforced where relevant, with theoretical models and business strategies. These reviews examine individual effectiveness and contribution, team focus and dynamics and explore the metaphors that the projects have been designed to represent. This helps to reinforce the key learning points, strengthens the relationship between the programme and the workplace, and facilitates the important element of transfer of learning.

Ropes courses are fantastic facilities for encouraging both team and individual development. They are permanent structures with height based challenges built in to them. Every participant is attached to a rope safety system and a harness from the moment they leave the ground ensuring safety at all times. With a little training the team members learn how to manage this safety system themselves (whilst remaining supervised by PRISM staff) ensuring maximum participation and opportunity for building trust and support mechanisms. PRISM tutors will facilitate reviews after each challenge helping the participants to draw out their own key learning and reinforcement points and help to make links back to the work place and real world. They will also assist in developing action plans and in ensuring sustainable application of learning over time. Here are a few examples of ropes course activities and the typical competencies that each 'element' is designed to explore:

High All Aboard:

A team element for 8 to 12 participants enabling four at a time to stand on a 2 foot square platform 30 feet in the air. Competencies addressed: Team dynamics and general team working; Trust and confidence building; Risk management

Cat Walk:

2 team members at a time walk along, firstly, a 20 foot high single balance beam, then, if they choose to go higher, a 40 foot high beam. Belayed by 2 or 4 other team members. Competencies addressed: Co-operation and collaboration; Individual preferences; Personal challenge

Crate Climbing:

A team of 3 supported by 3 or 6 others build the tallest tower possible out of beer crates, and stand on top of it. A really creative problem. Competencies addressed: Creative problem solving; Team management; Time management (this exercise usually has a set deadline)

The Trapeze Leap:

A 'leap of faith' from a 30 foot tall platform to catch a trapeze bar. The trapeze bar can be moved closer or further away and the individual sets their own degree of challenge. Competencies addressed: Team Support; Needs analysis (What are the needs of the 'leaper'); Individual preferences; Trust and confidence building

PRISM offers outdoor pursuits courses for teams and individuals where the emphasis is upon enjoying the natural environment and gaining the necessary skills to take on the challenges of the outdoors. All of our staff are National Governing Body (NGB) qualified and very experienced instructors.

• Rock climbing – from beginner to advanced including delivery of the MLTB Single Pitch Award (SPA), multi-pitch climbing and one to one guiding courses
• Mountaineering and Hill Walking – both summer and winter skills programmes
• Canoeing and Kayaking – Skills based courses and river touring
• Caving – learn the skills of underground exploration
• Expeditions – both UK and abroad
• Ropes courses – take on the challenge of a high ropes course performing daring feats at height !