PSC’s Leadership and Team-Building Program Gives Businesses a Competitive Edge
Paddle Sports Center has developed a comprehensive Leadership and Team-Building program based on paddlesports and risk management techniques. The program has helped organizations to enhance social relations, better define roles, and hone leadership skills among their employees. One of the most fun, engaging and memorable ways to achieve these goals is paddling on the ocean. We’re honored to share our skills and experience to create successful learning experiences with businesses looking to form more productive, cohesive and quality-driven teams.
The Value of Team-Building
The value that team-building brings to organizations has been a hot topic among executives and business leaders for decades. In 2002, Patrick Lencioni stated in his book, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, “Not finance. Not strategy. Not technology. It is teamwork that remains the ultimate competitive advantage, both because it is so powerful and so rare.”
Since Lencioni’s book was published, companies have been investing in team-building workshops as a way to gain that ever-elusive competitive edge. In 2016, Forbes’ article, Why Team Building is the Most Important Investment You’ll Make discusses why essentially every company should consider incorporating team-building into their agendas. “It builds trust, mitigates conflict, encourages communications and increases collaboration. Effective team-building means more engaged employees, which is good for company culture and boosting the bottom line. It can also be adventurous and enjoyable if you do it with a little pizzazz.”
A study published in January, 2017 would agree, and concluded that getting out of the familiar surroundings of the office to share a meaningful learning experience with co-workers creates better workflow, better cooperation and better communication. “. . . teamwork-training is an effective way to foster teamwork and team performance . . .Interventions appear to be particularly effective when they target multiple dimensions of teamwork and include experiential activities for team members to actively learn about, practice, and continually develop teamwork.”
Teamwork on the Water
When you’re in the ocean, you’re “in the moment,” and in the perfect mindset to learn and be open to new ways of thinking. PSC’s Leadership & Team Building Program teaches effective communication skills to your team and fosters cohesive group development.
Your experience will mirror aspects of your work environment, and will provide the team with opportunities to work together towards creative solutions to complex problems. The instructors provide a framework of teachable moments for your team to try new communication techniques and to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. We also personalize the day with team-building interventions tailored to your needs and goals.
Whether your team chooses kayaks or SUPs, they will be outfitted with top-quality equipment to ensure a smooth and safe ride. We’re committed to providing all of our clients with a safe learning environment, and maintain an 8:1 client to guide ratio at all times.
Our guides are CPR/AED/First-Aid certified, and most hold higher medical certifications. In addition, all of our guides have completed our very thorough Ocean Risk Management Program. We are a certified SUP school, and our co-founder is a SUP Master Instructor. We’ve been training watermen, naturalists and leaders for 26 years, are proud to have a very cohesive team that we consider our family.
Program details
- Choice of kayaking or SUP
- Primary Location: Santa Barbara harbor
- 5 hour program
- Minimum of 2 facilitators
- 8:1 client to guide ratio at all times
- Minimum of 8 / maximum of 32 clients
- Includes lunch
After the paddle, PSC’s instructors will guide the group in a debriefing session to discuss what was learned, what worked and where there was room for improvement. These debriefing sessions are fantastic opportunities to digest and absorb the experience, share and expand on what they each learned, and identify what they’ll take away with them back to the office.
Lots of Location Options
We’re based out of the Santa Barbara Harbor and utilize this calm, protected location for teaching. We also paddle in and out at Leadbetter Beach, located next to the harbor. Our second location at Goleta Beach offers more open water conditions, and more challenging launching and landing opportunities. In fact, we can easily launch out of any location along the South Coast.
Whichever location you choose, our Team-Building and Leadership program will have lasting impact long after your team has left the ocean. More information.
