The Power of Outdoor Challenges for High-Performing Teams

24-hour UK National 3 Peaks Challenge Case Study

Effective team building is the cornerstone of success for any organization. To cultivate a cohesive and high-performing team, businesses and organizations are increasingly turning to outdoor challenges. One such challenge that has gained significant acclaim is the UK National Three Peaks Challenge. In this blog, we will delve into the benefits of outdoor challenges, particularly focusing on the UK National Three Peaks Challenge which I have completed around 20 times now.

What is the UK National Three Peaks Challenge?

The UK National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the highest peaks of Scotland (Ben Nevis), England (Scafell Pike), and Wales (Snowdon) within 24 hours. The total hiking distance for the Three Peaks Challenge is approximately 42 kilometres (26 miles). Climbing all three peaks involves a total ascent of around 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). Most participants typically cover over 700 miles of driving between the mountains during the challenge (although some have travelled between mountains by bike, public transport and helicopter). The challenge is believed to have been first completed by Joss Naylor in 1960, who completed it in 23 hours and 59 minutes.

There's no official route to complete the three peaks challenge, but the suggested order is Ben Nevis (Scotland), Scafell Pike (England), and Snowdon (Wales). The idea behind this order is that the biggest mountain is tackled first.

While it can be a rewarding experience, teams often face several challenges and difficulties during the journey I go into details on these below:

Time Constraint: Completing all three peaks within 24 hours requires strict time management and a well-organized schedule. Teams must stick to the timeline to avoid missing the deadline. This places additional pressure and stress and must efficiently navigate each mountain's routes, transitions, and transportation between locations, leaving little room for rest or delays. The ticking clock creates a sense of urgency, making it harder for team members to relax and enjoy the experience fully. The 24-hour time limit means there is little margin for error. Any delays or setbacks may jeopardize the team's ability to complete the challenge successfully.
Physical Endurance: The challenge involves considerable physical exertion, including long hikes and steep ascents. Fatigue can set in quickly, making each subsequent ascent more challenging. Team members need to be in good physical condition to endure the strenuous activity.
Risk of Injury: The pressure to complete the challenge within 24 hours may lead some team members to push beyond their physical limits, increasing the risk of injuries or accidents.
Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation: The continuous nature of the challenge can lead to sleep deprivation and fatigue, impacting team members' focus and performance. Sleep deprivation can impair a team's cognitive abilities, decision-making, and physical performance.
Weather Conditions: Weather in the UK can be unpredictable, and teams may encounter rain, wind, fog, or even snow at higher altitudes, making the climbs more challenging and potentially hazardous. Teams may face rain, fog, snow, or high winds, further adding to the challenge and stress.
Logistical Planning: Organizing transportation between peaks, managing rest breaks and ensuring smooth transitions between mountains requires efficient coordination with guides and support teams and meticulous planning and communication.
Navigational Challenges: The routes can be challenging to navigate, especially during the night or adverse weather conditions. Teams must be proficient in map reading and using GPS devices.
Group Dynamics: Spending long hours together under pressure can lead to group dynamics issues, such as disagreements or conflicts. Effective communication and teamwork are essential.
Safety Concerns: Climbing mountains carries inherent risks, and teams must be aware of safety protocols, including proper equipment, emergency procedures, and first aid knowledge.
Environmental Impact: Large groups attempting the challenge can have a significant impact on the environment. Teams must follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize their ecological footprint.
Support and Motivation: Maintaining morale and motivation throughout the challenge, especially during difficult moments, is crucial for team success.

Night time navigation can be fun for some and others it can be a real struggle!

Why the UK National Three Peaks Challenge is the Perfect Challenge for Building High-Performing Teams

Sometimes we made some shortcuts! As an experienced mountain leader I was able to guide my team on this occasion to save hours off their time from quick decision making with some well known short cuts that I knew of.

Despite these challenges, the UK National Three Peaks Challenge offers a fantastic opportunity for team bonding, personal growth, and a sense of accomplishment as participants conquer some of the UK's most iconic peaks together. Adequate preparation, teamwork, and perseverance are key to overcoming difficulties and making the experience memorable and successful.

The Thrill of Shared Goals

The Three Peaks Challenge presents teams with a collective goal to conquer the highest peaks of Scotland, England, and Wales within 24 hours. This shared objective drives teams to unite, collaborate, and work towards a common purpose. A study by Cornell University found that shared goals in outdoor challenges significantly enhance team performance and cohesion. I explore below how a shared goal can grow a team into a high-performing team:

Motivation and Focus: A shared goal provides a clear direction and purpose for the team, motivating members to work together towards a common objective. According to a study by Deloitte, 69% of employees perform better when they believe their work has a positive social impact.
Collaboration and Cooperation: A shared goal encourages collaboration and cooperation among team members as they align their efforts to achieve the desired outcome. A study by Salesforce found that 86% of employees believe lack of collaboration leads to workplace failures.
Higher Commitment: When team members are emotionally invested in a shared goal, they are more committed to the team's success. A Gallup poll revealed that highly engaged teams show 21% greater profitability.
Increased Productivity: Having a common goal fosters a sense of accountability and responsibility, leading to increased productivity. A study by Harvard Business Review showed that teams with higher levels of collaboration are 5 times more productive.
Boosted Morale: Working towards a shared goal can boost team morale and create a positive work environment. A survey by Officevibe found that 61% of employees are more likely to stay at a company with a positive work culture.
Problem-Solving and Innovation: A shared goal encourages creative thinking and innovative problem-solving as team members pool their diverse skills and expertise. A study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that teams with high levels of diversity outperform less diverse teams by 35%.
Resilience and Adaptability: A shared goal helps build resilience within the team, enabling them to adapt and overcome challenges together. According to a study by PwC, 83% of high-performing organizations actively encourage learning and innovation.
Improved Communication: A shared goal necessitates effective communication within the team, leading to better understanding and coordination. A study by ClearCompany found that companies with effective communication are 50% more likely to have lower employee turnover.

Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for success in outdoor challenges. Teams must coordinate their efforts, share information, and make crucial decisions in a dynamic and unpredictable environment. Outdoor challenges provide an immersive setting that encourages open dialogue, active listening, and problem-solving skills. Research conducted by the University of Exeter supports the positive correlation between outdoor team challenges and improved communication within teams. During challenges like the UK National Three Peaks Challenge, a team can become high-performing in the following areas below:

Clear Direction: Effective communication developed during the challenge ensures that team members understand the objectives and tasks clearly, resulting in a more focused and coordinated effort.
Efficient Problem-Solving: Open communication and collaboration enable team members to share ideas, insights, and expertise, leading to more efficient problem-solving.
Trust and Cohesion: Collaborative environments foster trust and strengthen team cohesion, leading to better working relationships.
Adaptability and Resilience: Improved communication allows teams to adapt quickly to changing circumstances during outdoor challenges, promoting resilience and overcoming obstacles.
Empowerment and Engagement: When team members feel valued and involved in decision-making through communication, they are more engaged and motivated to perform at their best. According to a survey by Officevibe, 46% of employees feel that their managers don't communicate enough about company goals.
Creativity and Innovation: Collaborative teams encourage creativity and innovation, leading to novel solutions and approaches. A study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that teams with higher levels of communication and collaboration are more innovative.
Reduces Conflict: Open communication reduces misunderstandings and conflicts, promoting a more positive team environment. According to a study by CPP Inc., 53% of employees said that miscommunication leads to conflicts.
Higher Productivity: Efficient communication and collaboration streamline processes, resulting in higher team productivity. A Harvard Business Review study reported that employees in companies with effective communication practices are 50% more likely to report high job satisfaction.

The hut at the top of Ben Nevis that can be used as a survival shelter for emergencies.

Leadership Development

Outdoor challenges provide an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate and develop leadership skills. The Three Peaks Challenge offers moments where team members can step up, take charge, and guide the team through demanding terrains. Companies like Google have integrated outdoor challenges into their leadership development programs, recognizing their potential to cultivate essential leadership qualities such as decision-making, adaptability, and accountability. An outdoor challenge like the Three Peaks Challenge can improve leadership through the development of the skills below:

Enhanced Decision-Making: Leadership development during outdoor challenges hones decision-making skills, allowing leaders to make informed choices under pressure. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that leadership development programs improve decision-making by 84%.
Better Communication Skills: Effective leadership development fosters strong communication, ensuring leaders convey goals and expectations clearly to the team. According to a survey by Dale Carnegie, 70% of employees say their motivation and morale improve when leaders communicate well.
Increased Team Engagement: Developed leaders inspire and motivate their teams, leading to increased engagement and productivity.
Conflict Resolution: Leadership development enhances conflict resolution skills, promoting a positive team dynamic. A survey by CPP Inc. found that employees spend an average of 2.8 hours per week dealing with conflicts at work.
Empowerment and Trust: Developed leaders empower team members, building trust and fostering a sense of ownership. The Dale Carnegie survey also reported that 75% of employees are more likely to stay with companies led by empowering leaders.
Adaptability and Resilience: Leadership development prepares leaders to adapt and remain resilient in challenging situations, guiding the team through uncertainty.
Succession Planning: Investing in leadership development ensures a pipeline of competent leaders for future challenges. According to a report by the Conference Board, organizations with strong leadership development programs are 1.5 times more likely to be ready to meet future leadership needs.
Continuous Improvement: Leadership development encourages a growth mindset, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the team. The Global Leadership Forecast 2021 found that organizations with higher leadership quality were 13 times more likely to outperform competitors.

Be warned it is quite rare for these summits on the Three Peaks Challenge to be clear and blue skies.

Trust and Camaraderie

Outdoor challenges foster trust and camaraderie among team members. Facing physical and mental hurdles together builds a foundation of trust, reliance, and support. A case study of a multinational corporation conducted by the Outdoor Industry Association revealed that outdoor team challenges led to improved trust and collaboration among team members, resulting in increased productivity and employee satisfaction. The trust built during outdoor adventures provides teams with empowerment and psychological safety. Trusting teams feel psychologically safe, encouraging members to share ideas and take initiative. Google's Project Aristotle showed that psychological safety is a key factor in successful teams.

Occasionally you get a decent view from the top. This is Mt.Snowdon summit.

Resilience and Personal Growth

Outdoor challenges push individuals out of their comfort zones, testing their resilience and encouraging personal growth. The Three Peaks Challenge requires participants to embrace discomfort, face adversity, and overcome physical and mental barriers. By conquering these challenges, individuals develop resilience, self-confidence, and a sense of accomplishment. A study published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology highlights the positive impact of outdoor challenges on personal growth and well-being. Below are the specific areas that a challenge like this can improve which is specific to resilience and personal growth.

Stress Management: Increased resilience helps team members manage stress and maintain a positive outlook during challenging times. The American Psychological Association reported that resilient individuals are more likely to experience less stress and better overall well-being.
Growth Mindset: Personal growth fosters a growth mindset, encouraging continuous learning and improvement within the team.
Emotional Intelligence: Resilience enhances emotional intelligence, enabling team members to understand and manage their emotions effectively. A study by TalentSmart revealed that 90% of high performers have high emotional intelligence.
Leadership Development: Personal growth during outdoor challenges cultivates leadership skills, empowering individuals to lead effectively.
Confidence and Self-Efficacy: Improved resilience boosts team members' confidence and self-efficacy, enhancing their belief in their abilities to tackle challenges.
Sustained Performance: Resilient individuals and teams are more likely to sustain high performance over the long term.

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Navigating the unpredictable nature of outdoor challenges cultivates problem-solving skills within teams. The need to adapt to changing conditions, make quick decisions, and overcome obstacles fosters critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities. Organizations like the U.S. Marine Corps leverage outdoor challenges to enhance problem-solving skills among their teams. Outdoor challenges present unpredictable situations that require teams to quickly adapt and think critically and adapt quickly. A study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior found that adaptability positively correlates with team performance.

Celebration and Reflection

Completion of outdoor challenges brings a sense of triumph, celebration, and reflection. The achievement serves as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when everyone works together towards a common goal. Celebrating milestones and reflecting on the team's journey reinforces the sense of unity, boosts morale, and encourages continued growth and improvement.

Unreal summit photos with background sunsets

Outdoor challenges, exemplified by the UK National Three Peaks Challenge, offer unparalleled opportunities for team building. Supported by case studies, statistics, and endorsements from esteemed companies, organizations, and celebrities, the transformative power of outdoor challenges becomes evident. From shared goals and improved communication to leadership development, trust-building, and personal growth, outdoor challenges forge stronger teams that are equipped to tackle challenges in the workplace. By embracing outdoor challenges, organizations can unleash the potential of their teams, fostering unity, resilience, and growth that ultimately propel them towards success. I lead teams on expeditions like the UK National Three Peaks Challenge in order to facilitate the building of high-performing teams, check out more about this offer on my website “Team-Building Away Days” page.