There’s power in those hills…

It’s always great to hear from former clients. One chatted recently about their experience on an outdoor experiential learning programme that I’d facilitated some years ago, describing it as ‘transformational’ and a ‘career highlight’. It’s not the first time this has happened, with other clients describing their experiences on outdoor programmes as ‘memorable’, ‘powerful’, and ‘a turning point’. Delighted as I am to hear such feedback, it serves as an important reminder that the outdoors has the power to change people and the way they work like no other environment.

My practice is grounded in experiential learning. Described as ‘the process of learning through reflection on doing’, it may include direct encounter (projects, activities, life experience, live workplace challenges), discussion and dialogue, relevant theory inputs, coupled with feedback, and reflection. Whatever the intervention, balanced experiential learning puts the onus and ownership for the learning onto the learner. 

I‘ve used a range of approaches in my work; teaching in an academic institution, delivering and facilitating workshops in conference centres worldwide, outdoor journeys and working online. In recent years, there’s been a significant and necessary growth of short, classroom and online learning interventions. And, whilst I always strive to deliver interventions that are purpose-driven and effective, I believe there’s still a meaningful and significant place for the skilful and intentional use of outdoor-based, experiential learning.

For me, the use of the outdoors gives opportunities for learning that are hard to achieve elsewhere. I‘ve used it to provide a memorable and inspirational setting for important reflection about personal purpose and identity. The scale and majesty of the outdoors can remind us that we’re part of something bigger. It’s a great leveller, where individuals can explore who they are and what they bring away from the operational distractions of the workplace. It can bring respite and peace, with the opportunity to re-connect with nature. It provides an opportunity to experiment with novel problems-solving approaches, where success is based on effective leadership, collaboration, and teamwork. It can be a playground for personal and collective learning. It provides fun, camaraderie, a sense of achievement and great memories.  

A wise mentor, whose counsel I valued greatly, summed it up when he said ‘There’s power in those hills’.  

The outdoors will continue to be part of my wider approach to providing transformational leadership, team, and culture transformation programmes. This includes journeys that focus on team effectiveness and leadership development. Individual outdoor coaching journeys for executive leaders, which can include walking, kayaking or mountain biking, provide thinking space, and an invaluable opportunity for reflection and feedback. 

If this has sparked your interest and you’d like to find out more then get in touch with me at andy@andyharmerconsulting.com or call 07795 592834.