Leadership SEA Expedition program by RAFI

The Kool Adventure Camp (KAC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) organized the Leadership Sea Expedition program designed to introduce, review, and test leadership concepts through experiential learning.

Last month, KAC facilitated the program in two batches for the officers of City Savings Bank (CSB) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The first batch was held at EGI Resort last June19-21 for 33 CSB managers and team leaders and the second batch was held at Tambuli Beach Resort last June 26-27 for 29 CSB supervisors and key officers.

The program set off for the seven- to eight-kilometer island crossing expedition, paddling from Mactan Island to Talima Beach Villa and Dive Resort in Olango Island. “The Hilutungan Channel crossing proved to be one of the most challenging part of the expedition as the team formation were subjected to strong currents that went with tide changes and wind speed,” KAC adult facilitator Sheerene Ducay said.

The three-day Leadership Sea Expedition program aims to provide participants with deeper understanding of leadership practices, attributes, and concepts through experiential learning, utilizing the bangka (double outrigger boat) to add a component of culture and heritage appreciation.

“This approach uses the elements of a sea expedition as a metaphor for the challenge of reaching organizational effectiveness and productivity. The approach challenges comfort zones and old ways of thinking, gaining new perspective and developing a deeper connection and commitment to the goals and programs of the company,” Ducay said.

A day before the expedition, participants plan for the challenge and prepare for it by learning expedition and paddling methods. A day after, they share their learning and reflect on how they can integrate them in their work.

"I could not believe that I was able to paddle from (Mactan Island) to Talima. (The experience) made me realize that things may seem impossible at first but with determination, I can do (them). It also made me realize the potentials of our team leaders and what we need to improve as an organization,” CSB human resource officer Maila Quijano said.

George Allera, CSB assistant vice-president for cash operations, considered the leadership sea expedition as a “wonderful learning experience” where the values of persistence, sense of balance, and teamwork were epitomized.

KAC is a program of RAFI, which customizes adventure- and expedition-based programs to improve organizational leadership, team development, and organization development.

For more information about the Leadership Sea Expedition Program of RAFI, contact Daphne at 418-7234 loc. 207.