How to Plan an Outbound Training Program for your Company

The Ultimate Guide on How to Plan an Outbound Training Program for your Team / Company

Outbound Training in India is known with lot of different names like Outbound Learning, Outdoor Learning. Adventure Based Learning, OBT Training. Corporate Adventure Offsite, Corporate Outdoor Training, Team Building program, Outdoor Management Development Training etc.
 
The essence of an Outbound Training Program is based on Experiential Learning methodology and the Experiential Learning Cycle that consists of various phases of learning from experience, reflection and transference of the learning to the workplace settings, by a trained and certified outbound facilitator who uses a method called questioning, debriefing or processing that is based on the experience and behaviors observed in the activity.

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The Experiential Learning Cycle - pfeiffer

Here are 10 ways to make your outbound training effective, drive behavior change for better performance and give a return on training investment. 

​The following are some of the important steps in planning a safe and effective outbound training program for your company's Team

1. Identify Learning Needs and Outcomes for the Outbound

The first step in any training is to identify the need for conducting the outbound. The learning objectives need to be identified clearly with the expected outcomes. It is generally advisable to consult the various Business Heads, the participants and the business needs to come up with the learning needs.

​Typically about 2 Learning objectives can be addressed in a day (6 hour) through an outbound training intervention. Avoid putting too many learning objectives and outcomes as the training focus may be diluted. Keep sufficient time for reflection and debrief that can include individuals working with a reflective workbook, group discussion and facilitator debrief.
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2. Identify Location for the Outbound

Outbound Training needs an environment that is safe for learning and gives a sense of belonging to the participants. Ideal locations would be green and serene environments that has a therapeutic effect like nature based camps and those that bring the participants out of the comfort zones.

​Outbound Training is also extensively done at places like resorts and in banquet halls. The environment can have a major effect on the experience and learning of the participants. Some Learning partners will have their own campsites with all facilities for Outbound Training Interventions.

Other important aspects of selecting a outbound location would be
a) Distance and Time to reach
b) Cost and Budget
c) Facilities and Amenities available - A major one is space with shade and sitting areas for debrief.
d) Food Quality, Hygiene and Cleanliness
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3. Selecting your Outbound Learning Partner

Selecting your Outbound learning partner can be the determining factor on the impact of the program. Training Companies that specifically focus on experiential education tend to be better at design and delivery of the programs that can meet client expectations.

​The Outbound Training partner should be able to understand the learning needs and outcomes, Industry segment, and business needs. They should design the program keeping in focus the learning objectives and the outcomes. Should be capable of coaching, mentoring and evaluating to measure the impact after the program.
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4. Selecting the Outbound Facilitator

The outbound facilitator is the person who will deliver the program. Its important for the facilitator to be an expert in experiential education and have the relevant experience delivering outbound and Adventure training programs.

The facilitator should also be involved in understanding the learning objective and outcomes of the program. Ask the learning partner on who will facilitate the program and get in touch with the facilitator much in advance to discuss the objectives, outcomes and flow of the training agenda.

Apart from the Facilitator the support staff and adventure staff are important components of an outbound facilitation team. make sure there are experienced and qualified support and adventure staff that accompany the facilitator.

​The facilitator to participant ratio is utmost important, while recreation programs can have 1 facilitator to 40-50 participants, educational programs on behaviour competency should not exceed 1 facilitator to 20-25 participants and Leadership Development programs may have 1 facilitator to 10-15 participant ratio. 

​Learn more on how to become an outbound trainer 
Lean more on Outbound Training Certification
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5. Preparing the Outbound Training Agenda

An agenda that captures the learning objectives, desired outcomes along with the session flow is important part of the outbound training design. The training agenda has to detail the time sequencing along with the objective and outcomes of each outbound activity. The activities has to be suited to the age, gender and physical abilities of the participants. special care has to be taken to include diverse and specially abled participants. 

Having a plan is a great way of ensuring that the training sticks to the learning objectives however its equally important to keep space for emergent learning that cannot be planned. A good outbound program balances a planned and emergent approach to learning. 
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6. Preparing the Participants

The success of the outbound program will also depend on the involvement and participation of the employees as Outbound learning programs require the participants to get involved, share experiences and make the program participatory. Make sure to inform the participants to set the expectations on the nature of the program and guidelines to prepare for a better outcome.
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7. Safety and First Aid

The Nature of Outbound Activities involves movement and high energy. Its important to plan for safety and this involves the following.

a) Safety that includes not just physical safety but also an emphasis on creating a safe learning environment with emotional, psychological and social safety for all the participants. 

a.1) Safety instructions to the participants that details what to wear, what to bring, what to expect, what to do and what not to do. The least participants want are surprises and coming in a dress code that restricts movement. Its important to collect information on any medical or special care needs of the participants. 

b) Recce the place and preparing the space by removing any obstacles that can come in the way.

c) Putting up sign boards for areas that are out of access. Putting indicators of the training area. 

d) All equipment being used should be clean and disinfected before used. Any Adventure Equipment must be from reputed brands that have accredit ion with UIAA certification. 

e) The Facilitator and Staff should be trained in basic first aid and emergency handling. 

f) A comprehensive First Aid kit, cold pads,  along with a certified first aider, stretcher has to be kept ready. 

g) An emergency vehicle to take care of any injury or need of a medical checkup or intervention has to be on standby

h) Handy List of close by doctors and hospitals to be prepared in case of emergency. 

8. Measure effectiveness

Set up realistic expectations from the start and establish behavior competencies and performance metrics to measure the outcome of the program. The learning partner should be able to help you quantify the metrics and report back with detailed feedback and analysis. 

The kirkpatrick model of training evaluation can be used to measure outbound training effectiveness. This includes the level 1 of Reactionary feedback that is taken from the participants on the day of the event. The Level 2 of  learning  both on the day of the event and  within a months time after the event. The third and the most important aspect would be behavior change at the workplace, these can be done within 3-6 months time with a 1-1 survey, supervisor rating and 360 feedback. 

A good idea is to measure the metrics both before and after the program, this will help to not only measure the impact but also the progress with actual performance at the workplace.​

9. Followup and Regular training 

Outbound Training is not a one time quick fix and the participants may need followup, further mentoring or coaching with  regular assessment and intervals of training for the behavioral changes.

Its a good idea to measure effectiveness and performance and regularly conduct outbound training over a period of time to see the impact on behavioral change and performance at work. 
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10. Finally Remember

The budgets spent on outbound will be higher than a classroom training sessions and so is the overall impact. Sometimes companies tend to spend huge amount on the resort facility and a paltry sum on the training by hiring a emcee or  team building jockey to deliver the program, making the program ineffective. 

​So decide whether you want to do a fun based recreational program or a outbound Training based development program and balance between the needs and outcomes. 

Learn More

Outbound Training Programs
​Outbound Training Interventions
Outbound Training Certification