It’s no secret that many businesses are struggling to recruit the right personnel, which is why organizations are now looking to upskill their current staff to help offset skills gaps. The ability for employees to think on their feet and solve sometimes complex problems is a skill that can set successful organizations apart from the rest. And with the current business landscape seemingly becoming more competitive and recruiting becoming a thorn in the side of business progression, companies must look to alternative methods to train their staff in problem-solving skills to stay ahead of the competition.
The Importance of Problem-Solving
Problem-solving is at the heart of business success, whether it’s in the boardroom, or in the day-to-day for a junior member of the team. Regardless of the industry or sector a business is in, it involves identifying issues, analyzing information and then implementing effective solutions.
There’s no denying that problem-solving is crucial for driving innovation and improving processes. However, developing strong problem-solving abilities requires more than just theory, it requires practical experience and the ability to think critically whilst in a pressure situation.
According to NACE’s Job Report, 60% of employers seek evidence of problem-solving skills when evaluating candidates. So, if it’s a skill that recruitment teams are looking for in potential hires, you could develop an already existing employees problem-solving abilities.
How the right team building activities can aid skills development
Experiential team building activities are an exciting method to teach problem-solving skills within a corporate setting. But it’s important that these activities simulate real world challenges that require participants to communicate and think creatively to overcome obstacles.
Organizations have to appeal to the modern employee, mundane training sessions in meeting rooms simply do not suffice in the modern world. Employees prefer to be actively engaged in learning rather than passively watching a presentation.
The Bear Grylls Survival Academy (BGSA) offers a variety of challenges, such as an indoor summit of Mount Everest or a simulation of the infamous three-peaks challenge. These kind of activities are especially beneficial during winter, allowing employees to have a genuinely engaging experience that compare to typical BGSA outdoor activities. But what do these kind of activities entail? And how do they develop the practical problem-solving skills that businesses are looking for?
1. Simulating high-stakes environments.
Certain team building challenges are designed to push participants to their limits. These activities look to stimulate high-stakes environments, requiring teams to strategize, plan and execute their tasks under pressure, skills that are easily transferable to the corporate world.
When simulating high-altitude scenarios, such as the indoor three peaks challenge, participants may be pushed beyond their limits that they didn’t even know were there. The ability to plan ahead, but also think on their feet is crucial.
Participants learn to approach problems methodically, breaking them down into manageable tasks. Completing these tasks in a high-pressure environment encourages quick thinking and adaptability, essential traits for problem-solving. And the sense of accomplishment that follows completing the challenges can provide a real boost in confidence and reinforce perseverance and resilience.
2. Emphasizing strategic planning.
Activities that involve completing multiple tasks within a set timeframe can put a real emphasis on strategic planning. Imagine that in reality, your team is climbing Mount Everest, they would need to plan their route, manage resources and work collectively to reach to peak. While this may seem like a drastic example, the experience in strategic planning and problem-solving can easily be applied to real-life workplace scenarios.
3. Encouraging creative solutions.
Some team building exercises add a playful twist to problem-solving, bringing unique obstacles for employees to work together to solve creatively. These varied tasks can encourage participants to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to whatever the activity throws their way.
For some individuals, trying to solve problems by themselves can be a real challenge, but by introducing other members of the team, it can allow individuals to flourish and think more proactively and creatively.
The Role of Leadership in Problem-Solving
While problem-solving is a critical skill at all levels of an organization, effective leadership is essential for guiding teams through complex challenges. Leaders play a pivotal role in creating an environment where problem-solving can thrive. A good leader should provide clear direction and support their teams in navigating obstacles.
Team-building activities offer valuable opportunities for emerging leaders to hone their skills. By taking on leadership roles within the activity, participants learn to make strategic decisions and manage potential conflicts internally. If you were to take on the actual “Three Peaks” challenge, then a strong but fair leader is an absolute must. These sort of environments are what bring out the untapped leadership quality within someone, enabling them to steer the team with the relevant solutions in order to reach the pinnacle of each of the three mountains.
Incorporating team-building activities that focus on developing a person’s problem-solving abilities can have a significant influence on their ability to think on their feet. By investing in these experiences, businesses can truly promote a culture of continuous improvement, resilience and collaboration, providing a platform for long-term success in an ever-evolving business landscape.
