I was always a big fan of the old Emirates Airlines ‘Keep Discovering’ campaign. The most memorable ad for me was the one where two African men check into a hotel during winter and were over the moon to see snow for the first time. I love it when I can create the same “first time” sensation for my clients.
This week I spent three days in the north of Pakistan with the top team of a pharmaceutical company. Their aim was to forge personal bonds, allowing them to collaborate better as a team and lead their organization through a number of exciting challenges coming up. From my previous blogs you know that the Leadership Outbreak Journeys are my favorite interventions and this one was no exception.
These journeys combine taking people out of their comfort zone, creating experiences together, having conversations that matter and embracing first time experiences. The Leadership Outbreaks are always such a success because they combine all these 4 elements in an exciting cocktail, transforming the team in the process.
The ‘First Time Experience’ is a key component as it forces people to do things that they haven’t done before and often allow people to confront their fears. There is nothing more powerful for me (as a facilitator) to see people overcoming their fears. This Outbreak was no exception. On the contrary, it was even more exciting as we created experiences that were also new for me; we went paragliding!
Picture taken of my paragliding shadow
One of the activities I did this time was climbing a 60 foot rock (of course fully secured and safe) and subsequently then repelling down the same rock face. One participant was particularly fearful of coming down the rock face, as the top had a bit of an overhang that made it quite difficult for beginners to start. He was unable to overcome his fears, despite coaching and guidance from the instructor that was with him at the top. He finally amassed enough courage when his colleague, who went down before him, told him “Zahid, do you trust me? You can do it, you just have to let go.” Can you imagine the power? Not only of the person overcoming his fears, but also of the bond that was created between these two team members.
Rock Climbing
Similarly at the end of the three days the most senior team member, who had been awesome in completing all the activities, despite his age, physical conditions and vertigo, said that it was an “unbelievable” experience. He shared that he would never have done any of these activities on his own, but as he was part of the team he completed each task and was rightly so very proud of his achievements.
This drives me. Pushing people’s boundaries, letting them do things they thought were not possible and in the process enjoying the experience to the full. Thanks team for a wonderful outbreak. I know for sure that together you will achieve your dreams! So next time you are faced with a new task, a scary yet thrilling experience – ask yourself the same question; “When was the last time you did something for the first time?”
– Paul Keijzer
You may also like:
The Power of Leeches
Make A Melody In My Heart
A Leadership Journey
Got to engage ????
i agree,the last time i did something new was look for a client for a consultancy project.starting my own company after 36 years of working in the corporate sector,both local and multinational life was a dream.big cars,gates opening,people fawning,business class travel,best hotels,etc etc.So the fear was great.Could i achieve something on my own,would i be just a retired executive,had i sung my swan song.But i said to myself,conquer ur fear,go forth,become a salesman again,do it for yourself,muster courage,knock doors,dont loose hope.After seven months of knocking doors,walking the streets,and hustling i finally got my first breakthrough Alhamdullilah.So its good to overcome ur fears,and do something new,after a very very long time
Wow, two thumbs up for you Zohair, I am sure that you hard-work will inshALLAH be fruitful 🙂 Good Luck bro!
The last thing I did the first time; last week I attended a sharing session on communication n found my student did it better than myself . I admitted this before the class.
‘First time experiences’ keep us fresh and open to new ideas, so thanks Paul for asking the question. Last year I delivered a workshop on crutches for the first (and hopefully the last) – people are so supportive and it made us smile when i tripped over the flipchart!
On a lighter note, i love going to see plays by new writers. Recently say The Empress at the RSC – that really made me smile.
And to-day’s fresh experience – launch of my new website ….
[…] first 3 months of your appointment are extremely precious. You never get a second chance to do some thing for the first time! Maybe use some of the suggestions above or decide what works for you and the company you are going […]