Since 2014 nine Dalton Electrical staff have experienced swimming at sunrise in the Marlborough Sounds, scaling rock faces blindfolded and pushing themselves to their mental and physical limits at Outward Bound – a number managing director Bruce Dalton says he hopes to increase.
Bruce says his aim is to have all Dalton Electrical managers and supervisors attend an Outward Bound course. “Quite a few have already done a 21-day Classic course, and we are encouraging the rest to do a five day Professional course,” he says.
Bruce has some clear goals in mind when sending his people to Outward Bound.
“The aim is to see them return with improved communication skills, an ability to lead people in a calm way, an ability to better cope in stressful situations, reinforcement of the importance of coaching and goal setting and an understanding of how much you can achieve in a day. And we are seeing those attributes in everyone when they return.
“Better leaders create a better business.”
While some employees are apprehensive before they travel to Anakiwa, he says everyone “loves it” afterwards.
“Outward Bound has certainly helped our culture and also contributed to our staff being energised and focused. We use a number of training providers and have a business coach. While there are positives and negatives with all training, Outward Bound is a clear leader in
teaching resilience and communication skills. In fact we are the first company in New Zealand to gain the UK’s Investors in People gold accreditation on our first attempt.
“We strive to be the first choice of industrial electrical company by both customers and employees, and Outward Bound certainly helps us achieve this goal.”
