Teambuilding with self confidence

The last couple of weeks in October saw the Carnegie Alpenrose fully booked with three teams of guests arriving back to back. All three teams arrived with similar objectives to acheive. These included improved teamwork, better communication skills as well as building self confidence and belief as individuals.

Below is an extract of an e-mail sent to us from a member of one of these teams. This team were the winners of a UK outdoor challenge that was organised for the staff of Leeds Metropolitan University. Their prize was a three day course at My Peak Potential's Alpine training centre, the Carnegie Alpenrose. Here they took part in one of our teambuilding courses, consisting of mountain biking, hill walking and a ropes course in the stunning Ostertal gorge behind the lodge. Here is Joan Sheehan's account of her visit by way of a thank you letter to My Peak Potential and it's staff.

"The trip was truly amazing! I have never been a fan of going away with work colleagues, preferring to get on with my life outside work seperately. Malham I think was the first time I had been away voluntarily and was certainly an excellent experience only marred by the fact I was so tired and couldn't stay awake long enough to socialise in the evening.

I don't think I will ever understand my inclusion in the list of "winners", considering my physical problems I thought a few days in the Alps may be the death of me! I am so glad I was included though.

Of course, the weather helped to make the trip but I know we would have had a good time regardless. The "support crew" are fabulous people, so friendly and always with a smile even though they must have been shattered at times. The instructors, all so keen and yet patient when we had our "problems". I honestly didn't think you could possibly pitch the weekend to such a diverse bunch of people successfully but you did it and did it brilliantly. Everyone was included in all aspects of the weekend and I think it helped to bring us together socially in the evenings. Trust me, sitting around singing Bohemain Rhapsody with a group of people I didn't really know is something I never thought would happen!

The activities were amazing and yes, I enjoyed the gorge walking - well, I look back and know I enjoyed it, I'm not sure I felt it at the time. Being terrified of heights I never dreamt I would be doing these things and yet when faced with the task, yourself and your team just seem to instill a confidence that I didn't know I had. I don't think there was a point where I thought I couldn't do something (except the coaching at the edge of the cliff - you'll have to forgive me that one!). The cycling was brilliant and I so wanted to turn around and cycle back again. The walking was the one thing I was dreading and yet once again it was perfect!

Something strange happened this weekend. On Monday I went to the Rodelbahn, I didn't feel nervous even though others around me did, I climbed onto a chair lift and even took photos back down the hill. I came down with no brakes, laughing all the way. I'm sure I laughed so much I made myself sick! I then got on a plane and for the first time in my life I sat and read a paper through take-off rather than panicking and again during landing. I feel a confidence I haven't felt before... so thank you.

I know that if I ever get the chance to return I will be first in the queue ready to push myself even further."
Joan Sheehan - Principal Learning Officer - Leeds Metropolitan University