How An Airsoft Outing Can Build Leadership and Teamwork Skills
A report sites that about 70% of American workers are not engaged in their jobs. In order to combat this growing disinterest in work, companies would be wise to consider the benefits of team building exercises like combat simulation sports. One of the more popular of these activities in the United States is airsoft. With a growing and dedicated community, and organizations spread in virtually every corner of the US, just about any company or organization can find tremendous value in engaging in some pretend combat.
Team-Building Benefits of Intense Situations
While engaging in airsoft isn’t exactly a risk to your life like real combat is in the military, it still provides real psychological benefits in terms of building teamwork. For starters, simulated combat has very real effects on individuals due to the high stress situations they mimic. When groups of people take an activity like airsoft even remotely seriously, it can do wonders towards building a strong foundation of teamwork. Studies on the United States military has found that strong and cohesive teams are the foundation of success on the battlefield. This can also translate into any work/office situation, especially if the employees get the taste of combat that airsoft can provide.
Leaders Will Step Up
One of the subtle benefits to watch out for during a company airsoft event is who on the staff emerges as a leader of the group in an environment like this. Even simulated combat can bring out leadership skills in individuals who are willing to embrace the personal responsibility of the moment. Airsoft has a way of exposing the natural leaders of a company, and allowing management to identify trustworthy people in high-stress situations. Seeing who shines during moments like these can have long-lasting benefits for a company.
Healthier and Happier
In addition to being able to see true leaders shine through airsoft, this sport can also provide a number of health benefits to companies who engage in the activity regularly. Not only does playing airsoft get people outdoors, but it also forces people to running for sustained periods of time, raising their heartbeat, and building a tolerance for fast-paced environments. Some airsoft courses even require hiking, covering long distances. The benefits to the hiking alone are enough to reinvigorate an individual both physically and emotionally. Being able to master a sport like this can go a long way in helping employees be prepared for any situation that their job throws at them.
As we learn more about the physical and mental benefits to taking part in a sport like airsoft, it’s likely that more companies will sign their employees up to take part. There is tremendous value to this military-style team building, and true leaders will be sure to step forward in a stressful environment like this. As the sport continues to grow, so too will the realization that it can help people during their day jobs in unexpected, yet effective ways.