News & Insight

Posted by Phil Bailey

Why are many of the world’s best known brands heading to the Great Wall of China?

Phil Bailey Co-founder of OnTrack International reflects on his recent visit to the Great Wall and why he has chosen this as a venue for executive development.

Why do some of the greatest names from the corporate world head to hilly countryside two hours north east of Beijing near the remote hamlet of Jin Shan Lin? People like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet and organisations such as Omnicom, Moet Hennessy, Thomson Reuters and many others.

Their executives have all found this an inspirational place to come to learn and grow as leaders, while using the metaphor and awe of the place to provide them with a totally fresh perspective of their business and personal life.

The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest manmade structures on the planet. It is known as the only one visible from the moon. It stretches for over 5,500 miles across the northern boundary of China. The building of the wall commenced in the 5th century and was added to until the 16th century. It is simply a stunning feat of human ingenuity. It is a place where you can only be inspired by the vision, confidence and endeavour of those who built it.

I have always believed that the environment has an impact on the learning state of the delegate. When the environment affects our feelings and thoughts it creates receptivity and allows learning to take place at a deeper richer level. An inspirational environment can give rise to a more enabled learning mind set. It often creates a profounder level of creative thinking and richness of learning. People have often said the greater clarity of thought and connection with others has led to life changing experiences.

Most learning events take place in comfy international hotels. They are still part of the corporate landscape and consequently have a neutral effect on learning. You cannot get further from a corporate environment than this.

OnTrack is working on this project with Anthony Willoughby who has over 25 years experience pioneering experiential learning for global companies in Japan and China. The core of Anthony’s programmes have evolved from what he learnt on a series of expeditions during the 1980’s which included scaling the three highest mountains in Africa, a hike up Mount Mustagh Ata (7,546m), a trek across the Taklamakan Desert in China and skiing the last 80 kms .to the North Pole. Many of his concepts also evolved from living with and learning from Maasai in Kenya and with various tribes in Papua New Guinea.

He has shown courage, energy and resourcefulness. It’s these qualities which have inspired many to reach deeper to make a difference. He has the effect on people to think well if he can why can’t I? People often don’t know what they are capable of until they have an experience such as this says Willoughby!

Anthony has worked with many global organizations such as Thomson Reuters, Virgin Atlantic, Rolls Royce Aero Engines, Omnicom the World largest communications conglomerate and such individuals as Bill Gates and Warren Buffet who visited the Great Wall with a collection of family and friends in November 1995.

It’s an interesting experience when you have two of the richest corporate executives in the world to work with said Willoughby. He wouldn’t have mentioned it if I hadn’t noticed the picture amongst his material as we developed the OnTrack approach. He was amazed by their willingness to get involved in the activities he had planned and their openness to discussion and learning.

Rank, wealth and social position are meaningless here. We are all human beings and humbled by a man made achievement such as this. It creates an enabling mind set for team development and relationship building across cultures and positional boundaries. The Great Wall breaks down barriers like no other place could ever do.

It’s a place to think big and to think great, said the President of one large global company after his five day experience here.

Here are some of the issues our Great Wall programmes are designed to address;

• Helping executive teams develop strategy and organisational goals
• Equipping leaders with the skills, values, drive and determination to achieve the business goals
• Building greater trust, teamwork and communication
• Improving cross cultural team working and communication
• Helping western organisations understand Chinese and other cultures in the region for greater commercial success
• Helping develop strategy, integration and executive team relations post merger
• Sales and marketing planning

All programmes use OnTracks consultants to design and lead the programmes. They then work closely with Anthony to bring a unique blend of experience to create a life changing learning experience.

For more information on the Great Wall programmes, please contact Phil Bailey.