Time outside benefits human beings in so many ways. It makes us happier, healthier and more creative. In “The Nature Fix,” Florence Williams shares research about the myriad positive effects of getting outside. With proven effects ranging from increased immunity to lower blood pressure and a 50% increase in cognitive capability, the science is compelling. People who spend time outside return less stressed, healthier, more focused and more creative. It stands to reason that with so many benefits, training professionals could also leverage this often-free resource to improve learning retention and training effectiveness.
Of course, you can imagine people balking at the idea of hiking or rock climbing at your next training off-site. Leaders often worry about fitness, accessibility and even sweating in front of the team.
In this article, you will gain an understanding of why conducting some of your leadership and team training outdoors could amplify your efforts. You will also find practical ideas on how to get outside in inclusive, safe and approachable ways.
Why Training Outside Works
Sunshine means energy.
Corporate leaders can go entire days and even weeks without seeing the sun, especially during shorter winter days. This can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or a form of depression linked to a lack of sun exposure. SAD coupled with a known vitamin D deficiency in most Americans can make leaders downright unhealthy and anxious. If nothing else, having a lunch and learn at a local park instead of in the conference room will make people excited to attend and energize them for the rest of the day.
Movement sparks creativity.
Being hunched over a desk makes people feel less capable and shuts down somatic expression and learning. In “The Extended Mind,” Annie Murphy Paul provides compelling evidence that moving our bodies while we think generates more creative and useful ideas. Research at the University of Utah also shows that people are 50% more creative when outdoors. An opportunity to walk with a colleague in a park while discussing a leadership training prompt will absolutely yield higher quality discussions and likely novel solutions to complex problems.
Nature brings focus.
Americans spend over five hours online daily, but senior leaders likely have even more screen time as they juggle putting out fires, consuming information and managing stress from home. Often, leaders show up to training distracted by their screens and the last few meetings they attended. Studies show that a little time outside (or sometimes even looking at pictures of outdoor scenes) helps our brains calm down. Not to mention, taking leaders to a national park for longer off-sites can remove access to cell phone service and force the participants to be more present, a state that benefits them as much as you the training facilitator.
Adventure builds community.
New science around the emotion of awe, an emotion often elicited by the outdoors, shows that feelings of awe bring people together. Rachel Botsman also points out that shared vulnerability is required to build deep trust. That vulnerability may not arise in a video conference or even at the workplace. Facing the elements together puts everyone onto a level playing field and allows people to know each other authentically. Surprisingly, the “adventure” does not need to be extreme to do this. Instead, the novelty of being in nature with a work team provides enough positive stress to strip away pretense.
How to Get People Comfortable Going Outside
Stepping outside can be intimidating for a corporate group of mixed ages, abilities and experiences. It can also be scary for you as a training facilitator if the outdoors is relatively new in your life. Here are some tips to help you get outside safely and maximize your leadership training efforts.
Prioritize conversation over conquest.
Often, people conflate time outside with extreme sports and goal attainment. When we think mountains, we think summits. Leadership training in extreme environments will not be as effective due to distractions and stress. Instead, clearly communicating that the purpose of going outside is to have impactful conversations can help people visualize picnics instead of peaks. Also try to translate your training event into people’s daily routine. A two-mile walk might be like a yoga class. A hike up 1,000 feet could be 30 minutes on a stairmaster. Assure them that achievement is optional, and that you will be stopping for conversations throughout the activity.
Take care of logistics.
Many in your group will have some anxiety about what to expect and what to bring. Providing a packing list with links to examples can make people safer. For a couple hours in a park, people really only need comfortable clothes, hiking shoes, water, a snack and sun protection. When you break it down for them, they will feel more comfortable. Of course, assume that people do not know anything. You will need to spell out that a “Nalgene” means a water bottle. If you are still apprehensive, hiring a guide with a medical kit and a certification will make everyone even more at ease.
Keep it professional.
Corporate leaders often have built up personas that include expensive suits that would be downright uncomfortable on a trail. Breaking down this wardrobe hierarchy is a major benefit of getting a team outside where people see each other as people first. That said, consider a clear dress code so that people know what to expect and do not need to worry about arriving in the “wrong” clothing.
Be ready to leverage the experience.
You will reap huge benefits by simply taking your leadership training or lunch and learn to a local park. Integrating the experience into the lessons yields even deeper learning. Giving leaders a chance to practice communication and alignment as their canoe spirals down a river provides lessons that stick with them indefinitely, particularly if you are ready to skillfully facilitate the debrief.
People tend to pay more attention and transfer their training more readily when the activity is something they could do on any given weekend instead of contrived scenarios and ropes courses. Take advantage of the stories your team creates belaying their boss, exploring a view together or navigating a tricky bit of trail. Even better, use them as fuel for future online and indoor training programs!
Going outside can be intimidating for you and your participants, but the benefits of health, focus, connection and creativity are well worth it. With a little preparation and some quality communication about what to expect, you can minimize anxiety and maximize the benefits of moving some of your training sessions to a local park, river, trail or climbing area. Local guide services can provide an added measure of safety. Taking time to go do the activity yourself beforehand can also help you facilitate powerful conversations on the trail. Try it out, and at the least your people will thank you for the fresh air!
