THEME

Strategic Thinking / Strategic Talent Development / Strategic Teamwork

CONCEPT

A sail boat presents the most powerful platform available for experiential learning of teamwork concepts within the context of a strategic response environment. The objective is to derive from this opportunity the many lessons of teamwork, role responsibility, and strategic response presented by the environment. While outcomes are not fully knowable (as they depend upon conditions of weather and wind, and the interaction of participants) it can be anticipated that the experience will produce events and behavior that can be processed along the following seven dimensions:

• The importance of role clarity and strong role performance in contributing to team success.

• The importance of teamwork and a shared sense of responsibility if the group is to achieve its goals effective.

• The importance of recognizing changes in environmental conditions as they affect goal achievement, and the ability of the team to adapt to changing conditions through formation of new strategies, and the redeployment of personnel to enact these new strategies.

• The influence of technology on team performance, and the importance of each team member's understanding of the available technology's capabilities to enhance team performance.

• The importance of organizational learning through knowledge acquisition, role modeling, and experience as it contributes to the speed with which the organization can respond strategically.

• An appreciation of the behaviors which contribute to team success and those which do not. Various styles of management and leadership behavior will emerge and be assessed for their effectiveness under varying conditions.

• A conceptual and working understanding of the importance of a strategic orientation to goal achievement and long-term organizational survival.