In the words of Andrew Carnegie, “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” It’s no surprise that developing a team mentality in the workplace is a major objective in today’s business world, and taking the time to work specifically on team building outside of the office is an effective way to see real changes.
A white water rafting trip in the Grand Canyon can provide the perfect setting for team building, as co-workers work together to master the forces of nature. There’s no greater exhilaration than rafting together through a wild stretch of white water rapids. Team members are naturally enthusiastic about pitching in together in such an inspiring setting, resulting in a greater sense of trust and a shared sense of accomplishment.
Grand Canyon Whitewater offers a range of rafting excursions to bring corporate teams together. The Colorado River outfitter’s experienced guides and crew works with teambuilding facilitators or directly with team members to create an excursion uniquely tailored to specific goals and objectives. In addition to working as a team on board the rafts, there is plenty of time in camp for additional planned activities or down time, whichever is preferred. Itineraries are flexible, and can include easy to challenging hikes, lazy side stream swims, facilitated team building exercises, spirited camp games or just time for people to connect while relaxing in a beautiful natural setting.
One of the greatest benefits of a Grand Canyon teambuilding trip is the opportunity for improved communication. Effective communication is often challenging in the office, with the constant distractions of email, meetings and ringing phones. In the Grand Canyon, there is time for co-workers to truly connect on a higher level. Simply sharing in new experiences by day, and then hearing each person’s input on the day’s adventures as everyone comes together in camp is something that rarely happens in day to day life. Gathering together over a great meal after a fantastic day of outdoor activities in itself is a powerful relationship building experience. Bruce Winter of Grand Canyon Whitewater says, “Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to see how people’s relationships grow over the course of one of our trips, and it’s amazing. Participants who start the trip as strangers often leave the best of friends, and we’ve found that corporate groups bond in a really special way out here.”
Groups looking to river outfitters like Grand Canyon Whitewater for team building experiences don’t need to do any special preparation before the trip or have any particular skill sets. All people need to do is show up ready for adventure and fun, and the river outfitters will do the rest. They provide all of the equipment, gear, food and river expertise so that participants can focus on themselves and each other.