Are Outdoor Trainings Really Effective? Here’s What I’ve Seen and Learned.

Over the past four years, I have had the opportunity to conduct training sessions for a diverse range of professionals, from entry-level employees to business owners managing teams of over 100. One thing I have noticed consistently is the preference for indoor, classroom-style training. It is structured, familiar, and feels like the “proper” way to learn.

Outdoor training? That is a different story.

Very few have requested Outdoor Management Development (OMD), and I have not yet had the chance to design or deliver one myself. However, I have spoken to participants who have attended such programmes, and their feedback has been a mix of curiosity, confusion, and caution.

Some said they could not truly understand the purpose of the session. It felt more like a day of games than a learning experience. Others mentioned that personal boundaries were not always respected, especially during physical or high-pressure tasks. While a few admitted they did learn something, like how they respond under pressure or how others behave in a team, the lingering question was always: Is it effective in the long run?

I believe that Organizational Management Development (OMD) has significant potential. When implemented effectively, it can foster genuine conversations, build trust, and promote a different kind of learning that extends beyond traditional PowerPoint presentations and role-playing activities. However, without a clear purpose and careful facilitation, OMD risks merely becoming another team outing.

Some participants walk away from these experiences feeling stretched and inspired. They discover something meaningful about how they interact, lead, or respond to discomfort. In contrast, others just push through the activity to get it done. They do not pause to think about why they did it, and what it means for their work.

Not everyone connects through physical challenges. Not everyone is comfortable being vulnerable in an outdoor setting. Most importantly, not everyone reflects unless someone helps them pause and make sense of the experience. That is why design and facilitation matter.

When the activities are not clearly linked to workplace behaviour, or when there is no space for structured reflection, people simply return to work with memories of a “fun day” rather than practical lessons they can apply.

As an aspiring Organizational Psychologist, I am curious about the effectiveness of training and its long-term impact on organizational performance. I have learned that learning does not occur during the activity itself; rather, it happens afterward when individuals are supported to reflect and connect the dots. A single activity can resonate differently with different people. Understanding the group—its culture, energy, and readiness—makes a significant difference. If we fail to explain the 'why' behind the training, participants may view it as just a game rather than an opportunity for growth.

OMD can be powerful—but it’s not magic. It needs intention. It needs structure. It needs to be psychologically safe. Above all, it needs to be clearly tied to real workplace challenges, not just a box-ticking exercise. Let us not send people outdoors just to say we have done something “different.” Let us do it to create space for real growth.