The reality of working together on tasks which are unfamiliar and for which there are immediate consequences encourages trust. The need to rely on one another in ways which are not customary for the team generates a trust and mutual respect which may be different to anything previously experienced with colleagues. Enjoyment and fun Motivation to learn and readiness to grow are reinforced by engaging, enjoyable activities. A certain sense of playfulness encourages exploration of new ways of behaving. Willingness to risk different kind of responses is facilitated when awareness of natural, often inevitable, 'surprises' of an unfamiliar outdoor environment are accepted.
Laughter is often the best response to encounters with the unexpected outdoors.
It brings out typical instinctive responses to pressure and fear with greatly improved self-confidence and esteem immediately following a climb or descent. It is not a 'dare-devil' activity it is one of the best way for managers to function in an entrepreneurial arena that demands strategic risk and supportive teamwork. Trust-building exercises such as having each team member blindfolded in turn and led by a partner through dense shrub. The 'trust fall', where each person falls backwards into the waiting arms of their team mates. This calls for even greater teamwork, particularly in planning, organizing, and decision making, whilst developing a stronger sense of 'camaraderie' amongst the group.