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Methodology — How does it work?
To be able to develop leadership skills and
effective teams, we apply a method of learning
through experience, providing a heavy dose of
feedback and reflection.
After each activity the participants reflect
and analyze the experience. They express feelings
and emotions and look for the meaning behind
their reactions during the event and how these
actions compare to other situations. By doing
this the learning experience is reaffirmed,
making the participants conscious of their
reality. Once the participants have become
self-aware, they are now able to choose if they
want to change or continue to be as they are.
Through these motivational experiences
participants are able to look deep inside
themselves for the necessary resources to plan
and achieve future goals. This adventure
motivates people to accomplish their goals
through service to others, compassion, confidence
and team work.
The individuals will learn to dominate a
series of obstacles that require problem solving
in a unique and high impact environment,
especially designed to generate self awareness,
elevate self esteem, and acceptance of others.
The elements that make up this process are the
following:
The Participant: Must be
motivated and willing to participate.
Physical environment: The
environment should be unfamiliar to the
participants (natural environments usually are
too many). The key element is contrast.
Social environment: The
groups should be large enough to provide
diversity. But small enough so sub groups
can’t be formed and avoid loss of
individuality.
Challenges and problem
solving: These are presented in a
sequence of degree of difficulty. They must be
clear and manageable and must demand the use of
emotional, mental and physical resources.
Stress: In an unfamiliar
environment, with problems to solve there is a
certain level of stress that arises. The reaction
to this anxiety can be positive (dominion over)
or negative (failure to overcome). The
possibility to elevate, or not, what one thinks
of themselves exists. The challenges in El Laurel
are designed for each participant to have a high
probability to overcome them and elevate their
self-esteem.
Instructors: Support the
participant in their learning experience and
facilitate the transferring of the lesson to
their everyday lives. The instructors act as role
models, authority figures, supervise safety
issues and encourage the transformation
process.
Mastery: The participants
find great fulfillment in solving new problems as
they arise, as individuals and group members. The
uniqueness of this experience gives the
participants new insight about themselves, a new
consciousness, new attitude and new values for
facing future obstacles.
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