Planning an Outbound Training Program - Diyanat Ali, CEO, Outlife www.outlife.in

Outbound Training in India is known with lot of different names like Outbound Learning,

Outdoor Learning. Adventure Based Learning, OBT Training. Corporate Offsite, Team

Building program, Management Development Training etc.

The essence of Outbound Training is based on Experiential Education and the

Experiential Learning Cycle that consists of various phases of learning from experience,

reflection and transfer of the learning to the workplace settings by a facilitator who uses

a method called questioning, debriefing or processing that is based on the experience

and behaviors observed in the activity.

The Experiential Learning Cycle

The following are some of the important steps in planning an outbound training program

for your company

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 outbound training. Avoid putting

too many learning objectives and outcomes as the training focus may be diluted.

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.

3. Selecting your Learning Partner Selecting your 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.

4. Selecting the Outbound Facilitator The outbound facilitator is the person who will deliver the program. It’s important for the

facilitator to be an expert in experiential education and have the relevant experience

delivering outbound 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.

The facilitator to participant ratio is utmost important, while recreation programs can

have 1 facilitator to 40 participants, educational programs should not exceed 1 facilitator

to 20 participants and Leadership based program may have 1 facilitator to 10 participant

ratio.

5. 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.

6. Finally Remember Outbound Training is not a onetime quick fix and the participants may need follow-up,

further mentoring or coaching with regular assessment and intervals of training for the

behavioral changes.

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 an emcee or team building

trainer to deliver the program, making the program ineffective. so decide whether you

want to do a fun based recreational program or an outbound based development

program and balance between the needs and outcomes.

For more details on outbound training check out www.outlife.in