In the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs Report 2023”, companies indicate which skills are important for success at work today. It is significant that in third place is the competence “self-efficacy” with the skills “resilience, flexibility and agility” (after critical and creative thinking). This is immediately followed by “Motivation and Self-Awareness” and “Curiosity and Lifelong Learning”. All of these skills can and must be developed in a targeted manner – this applies even more to managers! Our week-long expeditions are the ideal environment for this.
Eight young managers are excitedly standing at the baggage carousel in Krakow airport. Seven backpacks are already there, one is still missing. There – finally the last backpack arrives. The relief is written on the face of the participant of this expedition.
A bus takes the group to the starting point of the seven-day expedition. Everyone shoulders their backpacks. Ready to go.
After a few hours of walking, the first thing to do is build a sleeping camp! For this purpose, roles and tasks are assigned: tarpaulins have to be put up to protect against rain, a latrine has to be dug, water has to be fetched and dinner has to be cooked so that everyone is taken care of. The waste is then carefully packed away and the dishes are washed.
We then reflect on the day around the campfire: What were the expectations? Were there any surprises, perhaps even difficulties? What learning goals have you set for the next day?
The individual learning goals also determine who takes on which role for the various situations the next day: A participant who is otherwise rather reserved would like to take on the coordination of dismantling the camp. Another person who likes to rush ahead has decided to be the last to always make sure that everyone is with the group and that no one or anything is left behind.
We then reflect on the day around the campfire: What were the expectations? Were there any surprises, perhaps even difficulties? What learning goals have you set for the next day?
The individual learning goals also determine who takes on which role for the various situations the next day: A participant who is otherwise rather reserved would like to take on the coordination of dismantling the camp. Another person who likes to rush ahead has decided to be the last to always make sure that everyone is with the group and that no one or anything is left behind.
After a somewhat restless but dry night for many, the rain started. Visibility is poor, the mountain peak that was supposed to be climbed today is covered in fog. It’s time to replan: What path can we take instead? Where do we rest or set up camp? There has to be fresh water, enough flat space to lie down and trees to attach the tarpaulins to – and it has to be reachable in about six hours of hiking. Not easy!
So it continues over the next few days with hiking, paddling, a “rescue operation” to practice crisis situations and constantly changing weather, mountains and valleys, difficult terrain and wide horizons.
Every day brings something new and unexpected. Everyone has to really use their inner resources! And these are exactly the things that companies today consider to be most important in order to be successful at work:
Self-efficacy, motivation and self-awareness, curiosity and lifelong learning
Every evening we reflect: What do disruptions have to do with resilience – is simply persevering always the best strategy – or when are they important warning signals? How much flexibility do I have if my comfort is limited because I sleep on mats and don’t have a toilet or shower? How agile did we react as a group when the weather suddenly disrupted the originally planned hike?
How do I experience myself in these new, unpredictable and often stressful situations? How do I motivate myself when things don’t want to go any further? Am I awake and aware of what is around me – or are my efforts and difficulties my focus?
And last but not least: What can I do differently? What would I like to try? What dare I do?
Intensive, comprehensive and sustainable
Expeditions challenge participants on a physical, emotional and psychological level in a way that hardly any other learning format can: everything has very practical effects. There are no theoretical answers, only real consequences.
Expeditions only make sense as part of a larger overall process. They are a springboard: either for the start of a joint development program, or as a conclusion and preparation for the individual learning journey “on the job”.
A well-planned, solidly supported expedition supported by robust risk management is always a unique learning experience that lasts for many years – and often even has a decisive impact on your entire life!
