Communication is the foundation of all effective organizations, yet it is often the "Achilles heel" in even the most successful companies. This workshop cracks the code of powerful outcome-based communication and demontrates the pitfalls that short-circuit most critical conversations today. The principles and practices of good communication are made real undersail on San Francisco Bay, where effective communication can make the difference between outstanding performance and going nowhere fast.
Research shows that nearly 80 percent of conflicts within companies, with suppliers and with customers is the result of two problems: communication breakdowns and undeclared assumptions! Why? Often it's because people tend to believe that communication is about being right, when actually it's about being understood. Or it's because they think that shared protocols and definitions don't really matter. Or maybe because to them, speaking is more important than listening.
Imagine then what can happen when communication breakdowns and undeclared assumptions are the communication culture aboard a 35' racing sloop in 25 knots of wind running close hauled and surrounded by other boats. (Hint: people learn powerful lessons quickly!)
The Communication Workshop is based on advanced principles of experiential learning and outcome-based communication theory. Participants learn about communication styles, listening, cultural differences and gender filters. And they also experience first-hand why authentic communication is not what is said, but what is understood. Even the proper nouns used in sailing (tack, leech, sheet and starboard) demonstrate the importance of ESA's (Explicit Shared Agreements) as a cornerstone for effective cooperation in teams.
In this workshop, business consultants and trainers join forces with our professional sailing staff to create a one-of-a-kind environment that has outstanding results. We've seen it over and over again: when people are exposed to communication teachings and practices in the morning and put them to use on the water that same afternoon, the "learning by doing" is powerful and fast. And when the "classroom" is a team sailing together, the learning can be particularly fun, potent, and clear. Then back on land, a thorough debrief and an implementation plan ensures that on-the-water lessons transfer back to the office.
OCSC's Communication workshop has been carefully designed and tested by learning consultants, university faculty, and experienced sailors to imprint learning and group bonding -- whether it's navigating through a strong current or facing a shift in the business climate, the lessons are still the same. You have our promise: sailing together always refines a group's communications skills. And nothing unites a group like great communication.
With a Communications workshop you can expect these results: