Leadership is not a quality that is innate in some people and not others. Anyone can become a leader if they are willing to do the necessary work. Outdoor activities are one way to develop the skills you need, such as team building, to be an effective leader. Here are seven outdoor activities that will make you a better leader.
1. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt requires you to think quickly and creatively and also provide the right information to your teammates. It also requires you to be organized and efficient, as you will need to collect all the items on the list. This, in turn, helps you develop your leadership skills and become a better leader.
You can go a step further and organize team scavenger hunts exclusively with your employees and co-ordinates. They are a great way to bond with your team and have some fun. This will result in a more cohesive and effective team.
Some of the best scavenger hunt ideas include:
Finding objects in nature: This is a great way to get everyone working together and using their creativity.
Going on a photo scavenger hunt: This will help you explore your city and get some great photos while also bonding with your team.
Similarly, you can come up with your own ideas for an outdoor scavenger hunt that will be fun and challenging for your team.
2. Hula Hoop Pass
Who would have thought that playing with a hula hoop could help you develop leadership skills? But it actually can! If you don’t know what the hula hoop pass is, it’s a game where you have to pass a hula hoop from one person to another. Sounds easy, right? But let us tell you, it’s not! The participants have to hold hands and then try to pass the hula hoop among themselves without letting go of each other’s hands. Not so easy now, is it?
This requires communication, coordination, and teamwork. And if you can master these skills, you will be well on your way to becoming a great leader. So, next time you are looking for a fun and challenging game to play with your employees or co-workers and to develop your leadership skills, look no further than the hula hoop pass.
3. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to develop leadership skills. It requires planning and preparation, as well as the ability to stay calm in challenging situations. When you are hiking, you are constantly making decisions that will affect the outcome of your hike. This experience can be transferred to the workplace, where you will be required to make decisions that could have a major impact on your company.
One of the best options for hiking is the Walker’s Haute Route, which runs from Switzerland to France. This challenging hike will take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and push you to your limits. If you can complete this hike, you will have the confidence to tackle any problem that comes your way.
You should note that a certain level of fitness is required for trekking along the Haute Route. If you are not used to hiking, it is best to start with shorter hikes and work your way up to the Haute Route.
Camping is another great way to develop leadership skills. It requires you to be organized and efficient to set up camp and ensure everyone has what they need. It also requires you to be able to problem-solve on the fly, as unexpected challenges will inevitably arise.
Being able to camp in remote areas is a valuable skill for any leader. It shows that you are resourceful and can think outside the box. If you can camp in a remote area, you will be able to handle any situation that comes your way.
If you are thinking of going on a camping trip, then be mindful of the following things:
Choose the right location: Not all camping spots are created equal. Make sure to do your research and choose a spot that is safe and has all the amenities you need.
Pack wisely: This is key to having a successful camping trip. Make sure to pack all the essentials, as well as some extras, in case of emergencies.
Be prepared for the elements: Make sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate you will be camping in.
4. Outdoor Yoga and Meditation
Yoga and meditation are great ways to relax and center yourself. They are also great ways to develop your leadership skills. Yoga requires you to be able to focus and be in the moment. Meditation requires you to be able to clear your mind and focus on your breath.
Both yoga and meditation require you to be patient and have a lot of self-control. These are valuable skills for any leader. If you can practice yoga and meditation, you will be able to handle any situation that comes your way.
There are many different types of yoga to choose from. You can try different styles to find the one that works best for you. Some of the most popular types of yoga that you can try include:
Hatha Yoga
Hatha Yoga is perfect for beginners. It is slow and gentle and focuses on breathing and posture.
Vinyasa Yoga
This is a more dynamic and active type of yoga. It is perfect for people who are looking for a challenge.
Kundalini Yoga
This type of yoga focuses on breathwork and meditation. Kundalini yoga is a good option for people who want to focus on their inner journey.
Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga, devised by Bikram Choudhury, is practiced in a hot room. It is best suited for people who want to detoxify their bodies.
Similarly, when it comes to meditation, there are many different types to choose from. Some of the types of meditation that you can give a shot include:
Mindfulness Meditation
This meditation requires you to focus on your breath and the present moment.
Guided Meditation
This type of meditation involves following a guide who will lead you through the process.
Visualization Meditation
It involves picturing yourself in a peaceful and calming setting.
Transcendental Meditation
This type of meditation involves repeating a mantra to yourself.
Choose a type of yoga or meditation that resonates with you and give it a try. No matter what type of yoga or meditation you choose, you will be surprised at how beneficial it is for your leadership skills.
5. Movie Making
Yes, you read that right! Movie-making is surprisingly an amazing way to develop your leadership skills. It requires you to come up with a creative idea, plan the logistics of making the movie, and then execute that plan.
You will also need to be able to work with a team of people and delegate tasks. This is a great way to develop your communication and organizational skills. Not to mention, movie-making is a lot of fun!
So, put your thinking cap on, grab some office colleagues and employees, and start making a movie. You will come out as a better leader in the end. Moreover, you will have an Oscar-worthy movie to show for it!
To make the task more interesting, you can set a theme for the movie. For example, you can make a corporate training video or an inspirational video about your company’s values. Similarly, you can make a commercial or an educational video. The possibilities are endless!
6. Minefield
This is a classic leadership exercise that is often used in the military. It can also be adapted for use in the corporate world. The aim of the game is to guide your team, who are blindfolded through a minefield without stepping on any mines.
This exercise requires you to think on your feet and be quick to make decisions. You will also need to be able to communicate concisely and clearly with your team.
To set up the game, you will need to create a minefield. This can be done by placing objects on the ground or by using tape to create boundaries. Then, create a path through the minefield for your team to follow.
Once the game is set up, it’s time to play! The team will need to follow your instructions to make it through the minefield. This exercise can be adapted to different settings. For example, you can use it as an icebreaker at a team-building event. Or, you can use it as a training exercise for new employees.
Parting Thoughts
Leadership is a complex skill that takes time to develop. However, there are some activities, such as the ones mentioned above, that can help you to improve your leadership skills. Moreover, they provide you with an opportunity to have fun while you’re developing your skills. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today! We are sure that you will see a difference in your leadership skills in no time.
