Assemble A High Powered Team Using Experiential Learning

Anil Thomas

Putting together high performing teams through the use of experiential learning modules or activities has become a value-added procedure to team building. Productive learning by team members does not happen by chance. The experiential learning model, when accurately employed, can be a very influential tool.
Experts believe that in order to create a lasting impression on employees and engage them in active participation get them to learn through deeds, rather than through words. As a training methodology, experiential learning takes the participant outside his comfort zone and persuades him to participate actively and ponder over a specific topic.
Experiential learning is about adjusting viewpoints and modifying outlooks -- an action that is vital to an organisation, if its employees are a critical part of its sustainability.
Some of the important experiential learning methodologies that are effectively used during training sessions include role-playing, case analysis, teambuilding exercises, behaviour modelling etc. In most cases it is seen that the biggest hurdle on the path towards learning is usually the attitude of the learner. If the conditions are not ideal, wherein the participant refuses to engage or engages half-heartedly, the outcome will be shallow and short-term.
The three fundamental elements of a rewarding teambuilding activity:

> Sport - Getting team members to compete against one another through fun and games is a great teambuilding activity. When participants get out in the open and competing with zest and vigour it makes the activity even more fun. Encourage teams to have fun through sporting activity and watch how it helps to stir up the creativity of the participants.

> Constant Motion - Every significant experiential teambuilding pursuit gets participants inspiring one another and communicating with the environment around them in a novel or unusual manner.

> Taking Risks / Standing Up To A Challenge - An adept leader can build a positive and sustaining surroundings that also involves not being afraid of taking risks, which is why experiential games involve an element of risk or challenge featured in the activity. The constituent of risk in the game encourages the participant to take the support of his team members, instead of doing it all by himself. When faced with a challenge, the participant is also eager to know and implement a helpful thought or feeling from the group to overcome the challenge. Get in risk factors or set up challenges so that participants are given the opportunities to move away from their comfort zones.

Most people who have experienced experiential learning modules report positive behaviour modification that has resulted in long-run, optimistic business results. This is because experiential learning methodologies uniquely engage individuals to participate in a learning culture.

Anil Thomas is the co-founder of Mustard Seed, a training academy for building teams and leaders
 
You can send your feedback on smementor@moneycontrol.com or simply post comments below