Have you ever yawned because you saw someone else do it?

Your friend yawns, you can't stop yourself from yawing back. This physical trigger to mirror what someone in your group is doing also applies with attitudes.

All teams have vibes that are just as contagious as a yawn. Next time you find yourself in a group situation, pay attention to the to the attitudes of those around you. Does the confidence of one person rub off on the group?

Studies and my personal experience at the ropes course working as a facilitator in team building exercises bear this out as truth. When the team is gaining confidence its infectious. Our challenge is to keep that positive attitude growing like a snowball down a hill.

This is not an Example of "Team Building"

If you follow college football, you might have seen this story published by the Daily Hampshire Gazette regarding the football program at the University of Massachusetts. A video was posted showing what head coach Charley Molnar describes as a "team-building" exercise that instills "mental toughness." 

This is what Molnar was reported to say to the Gazette,

“We tried to get these guys to feel that fear, but go out there and do it anyway,” he added. “We never had one guy not go out and box or wrestle. Some of them went out with a lot of trepidation, but by the end of the cycle were thoroughly enjoying the activity. We did all these activities with safety in mind. I’m a fanatic about player safety. I thought it aided in team-building. Guys faced the fear and fought through it. That was the objective.”

As the owner and operator of Upward Enterprises, I can say with expert knowledge in all forms of team building, that this is NOT Team building. Football players being ordered to wrestle each other on the field is just poor judgment. How can beating up fellow team mates be used as a way to build camaraderie and spirit? Disgraceful.

Don't take our word that team building at Upward Enterprises Ropes Course is great. Read some recent comments sent in from our clients.

"We had a fantastic time at the ropes course. Just about all the feedback I have received was extremely positive. You and your staff were excellent."

Ralph, E. Johnson, PhD, Dean, Student Success and Faculty Development
Washington Adventist University

"Dear Clive, the ropes course programs were fantastic this past weekend. Thank you so much. Larry, Dave, Travis, Javier and all the other folks were just superb - very professional, great with the girls, able to connect with them and really push them to do things they didn't think they could do. Everyone had a positive attitude and really made an effort to get to know our students. The girls had the best time. We look forward to seeing you all next year!"

Emily Fetting, Interim Dean of Students, Director of Service Learning & Global Outreach
National Cathedral School

"We had a wonderful time. Larry was engaging as always. You guys have this down to a science and the kids (and teachers) really get a lot out of it. See you next time!"

George Kasnic, Middle School Guide
Greenspring Montessori School

Team Building - Opening Your Mind to a Different Way of Viewing the World

From The Happy Show exhibition, created by Stefan Sagmeister currently on exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center through September 23, 2013.

At the Upward Enterprises ropes course in Buckeystown, MD we are always encouraging or team building groups to look at the world in a new way.

Bicycle Elevator - First Floor Canopy Tour?

At the ropes course we use ladders to get up into the trees for our canopy tour zip line but what an inventive way to switch things up - a bicycle ride to the treetops! Being safety conscious, I'd recommend wearing a helmet. Can't wait to see how the rest of his tree house turns out.

Meet Our Facilitator Travis

If you have come out to our team building ropes course this year, you might have met one of our newest members of the Upward Enterprises team, Travis Creamer. 


Travis Creamer at Upward Enterprises Ropes Course

Using his degree in Physical Education from Ohio University, Travis has worked in the outdoor recreation field for many years both as a facilitator and a builder of ropes challenge courses. His love for outdoor education started in the late 80's as a lifeguard for a local camp. Since then he has worked for multiple organizations and camps. He also has experience leading a variety of activities such as canoeing, climbing, caving, backpacking, primitive skills and of course team building on a challenge course.  In his free time he enjoys coaching team sports, fly fishing, disk golf, home brewing and barbecuing. 

We are very happy to have Travis as part of our organization. He has brought considerable talent and energy to our team.

Great to work with Travis yesterday!
Donna Kerner, Program Coordinator Bishop Claggett Center