What do a Disney Cruise and Coastguard Survival Training have to do with Team Building?
Years ago I was blessed to work on one of Disney’s cruise ships, the Disney Wonder. Before any employee is allowed to step foot on the ship, you must first go through a rigorous Coastguard Survival Training Course, to be able to aid in case the ship were to sink. (That’s a fun thought before you’re about to embark on a 6-month tour!)
I remember being summoned with 8 others at 5 am. None of us knew one another and we were all from different countries. We first learned skills in the classroom together, but the real bond happened when we got into the freezing cold pool and had to work together to turn a 30 person raft over while the instructor kept spraying us with water shouting, “the storm is coming!” It was BRUTAL!
At the end of 3 very cold and wet days, the 9 of us had learned together, struggled together, laughed together and succeeded together. 9 people from different countries, accustomed to different cultures were able to form a bond like no other in such a short time. Why? Because of the challenge we overcame together.
If you want to raise morale, enhance team communication and inspire collaboration, then start by presenting your team with a challenge they need to work together on to overcome. Remember, those who struggle and succeed together will bond together.
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