I know a lot of people LOVE ropes courses and other kinds of outdoors challenges and find them valuable. I happen to be on the other side of the continuum. I have always found these kinds of “leadership” activities objectionable. I got goaded into a few when I was younger. No learning, just peer pressure. The memory still annoys me years later.
There is an assumption built in. Not sure what it is exactly – maybe machismo. Maybe multiple assumptions. 1) the activity itself is a reasonable proxy for facing fear and 2) the learning is transferable to leadership.
My question: what is the point of requiring the challenge? How does it relate to anything you want them to do after the retreat?
Second, What is the value in using the word “challenge” (for me “challenge” or “competition” is an immediate “tap out” word). Are we after situations that require “courage”? How else might we access courage?
Puzzle Pieces Coaching 