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“Woohoo!! That was so much fun, I can’t believe I’ve never been white water rafting before!” Mandy exclaimed to Brett the CEO as the team jumped out of the bus back at the Chalet.
Mandy was one of eight C-Suite team leaders that reported to Brett one of my CEO clients. We were on a 2 day corporate offsite in Whistler, BC, and the leadership team had just returned from rafting down the Elaho River in Squamish.
Earlier, they had been stuck—deadlocked over how to address a critical technology pivot for their company’s new strategic plan. Emotions were tense, and progress felt impossible. No one wanted to budge.
Good job we had a group rafting team-building trip that afternoon, because it required each of the eight members to work together amid Class III and IV rapids, the group found themselves confronting a different challenge. Success required synchronized paddling, clear communication, and trust. Every decision was split-second, and there was no time for egos.
By the time they reached the shore, the team had discovered something unexpected: laughter, unity, and the realization that they could solve problems together under pressure. Later that evening, while recounting their river escapades over dinner, Dylan, the CTO, said, “Let’s take this same energy into tomorrow morning’s session.”
By 9 a.m. the next day, the team had found clarity. They crafted a bold, actionable plan for their technology pivot—one that everyone embraced.
The Problem - The Grind Drains Your Team
In today’s workplace, teams are stuck in patterns that stifle innovation. Days are filled with endless Zoom calls, unproductive meetings, and relentless to-do lists. Creativity gets replaced by monotony, collaboration by silos. Over time, even the most passionate teams lose their spark.
The result? Energy dwindles. Innovation slows. Team effectiveness erodes. Most leaders recognize this but struggle to find solutions that truly reinvigorate their teams.
The Solution - Injecting Adventure into Your Culture
A “Culture of Adventure” is about more than just fun. It’s a transformative mindset that challenges teams to break out of their routines, step into the unknown, and collaborate in new, meaningful ways. Adventure unlocks primal instincts: the drive to learn, grow, and tackle challenges together.
When we take people out of their daily environment—especially into activities that push them out of their comfort zones—amazing things happen. Bonds are forged, creativity reawakens, and trust deepens. Whether it’s navigating river rapids, climbing a mountain, or solving a real-world puzzle, these shared experiences teach lessons that directly translate to business:
- Resilience: Learning to bounce back from setbacks.
- Adaptability: Adjusting quickly to new circumstances.
- Risk-Taking: Overcoming fear to seize opportunities.
- Trust: Relying on and supporting teammates.
For Brett’s team, the rafting experience didn’t just strengthen relationships—it provided a living metaphor for their strategic work. They saw firsthand how collaboration and trust could navigate the roughest waters, both in and out of the boardroom.
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The Results: High-Performance Teams with Purpose
When you embrace a “Culture of Adventure,” the results extend far beyond the team retreat:
- Reenergized Teams - Employees return with more energy, engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose.
- Improved Collaboration - Silos dissolve as teams learn to work together with trust and mutual respect.
- Increased Innovation - Fresh experiences spark creativity and new approaches to old problems.
- Lasting Bonds - Shared challenges create connections that endure long after the adventure ends.
For Brett’s company, the rafting trip didn’t just solve their immediate impasse—it became the turning point for a new era of collaboration and bold decision-making. They returned to the office inspired, focused, and ready to tackle future challenges head-on.
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Your Next Step: Designing Adventures that Work for Your Team
Creating a Culture of Adventure doesn’t mean every team needs to scale mountains or raft rivers. Adventure can take many forms, tailored to the personalities and comfort zones of your team.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Scavenger Hunt: This classic activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity. Divide your team into groups and provide them with a list of items or clues. The first team to find all the items or solve all the clues wins.
- Outdoor Adventure Activities: Activities like rock climbing, (via-Ferretta!), white water rafting, camping, snowshoeing or hiking up an mountain can push team members out of their comfort zones, promoting a sense of adventure and risk-taking.
- Obstacle Course Race: Set up a fun and challenging obstacle course that requires teams to strategize and work together to succeed.
- Tree Planting or Environmental Clean-Up: Work together to give back to the environment, while fostering teamwork and creating a shared sense of accomplishment.
- Virtual Reality Experiences: Virtual reality can offer unique team-building experiences, from virtual tours to teamwork games.
- Escape Room Challenge: This involves teams working together under time pressure to solve puzzles and riddles. It promotes risk-taking, quick decision making, and collaboration.
- Cooking Challenge: This activity requires teams to work together to create a meal. It enhances teamwork, communication, and creativity.
- Office Olympics: An office version of the Olympics can include fun and humorous games that encourage teamwork and relieve stress.
- Charity Work: Working together for a community project or charity can boost team spirit and provide a sense of purpose.
- Team Fitness Challenge: This could be a fun run, yoga sessions, or dance classes. Fitness challenges can promote health and wellness while fostering team spirit.
Adventure as a Long-Term Strategy
Adventure isn’t a one-off initiative; it’s a mindset. To embed it into your culture:
- Make team-building activities a regular part of your calendar.
- Vary the types of activities to engage different personality types.
- Tie every adventure back to your business goals and values, emphasizing the lessons learned.
A Culture of Adventure builds teams that are energized, collaborative, and unafraid to tackle challenges. It drives results that extend far beyond the bottom line: greater innovation, stronger connections, and a workplace where people thrive.
Are You Ready to Lead the Adventure?
If you’re ready to embraces challenges, overcomes obstacles, and work together to achieve greatness, let’s talk. Whether through corporate retreats, strategic planning sessions, or tailored adventure experiences, I’ll help you design a program that transforms your workplace into a hub of energy, creativity, and innovation.
Reach out today—let’s start this adventure together.
Contact me at info@chrishardwickinc.com or book via Calendly and let's take on this journey together.
Meet Chris Hardwick
Executive Business Coach
For over 20 years I've been helping entrepreneurs and business leaders to realize their dreams and achieve success.
As an entrepreneur, world traveler, adventurer, and motivator, I lead by example. My goal is to inspire you with my passion for life, success, and happiness.
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