The Learning Journey
The learning and development in this activity does not need to be forced; it will happen organically as the simulation progresses. Various issues will inevitably arise over the course of the learning event, and the issues that come to light will link directly to everyday business practices. The orienteering process demands a number of skills that are directly relevant to the business environment:
- Teamwork
- Collaboration and cooperation
- Leadership
- Problem-solving and decision-making
- Managing and utilizing team resources effectively
- Creating a plan and following specific guidelines
- Executing on team objectives
- Managing differences
These are just a few of the topics that will emerge during the simulation, and at the end of the orienteering event, these same topics will provide valuable points for the group debrief and discussion about the experience. Participants will also have an opportunity to reflect on the lessons learned during the simulation by using a learning journal to capture key learning points and create individual application plans. This simulation is a strong way to kick off team retreats and planning meetings, but it can be used for team-based learning initiatives of all kinds.