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On thin ICE
- 5 – 500
- 150 - 240 min
- Face to Face
- Indoor
- Level 3
- Promotes leadership, clear communication and effective conflict management
- High level of cooperation required: all groups must work together perfectly
- Ideal for management teams and companies undergoing change processes
- Professional facilitation accompanies reflection, knowledge transfer and team dynamics
When communication becomes a key team skill
Communication sounds simple.
Until people are under pressure, interpret information differently, and it suddenly becomes clear that what is said is not automatically understood. This programme demonstrates in a light-hearted way how quickly misunderstandings arise – and how much stronger collaboration becomes when a team finds a common language.
Event Schedule – Experiencing, Understanding and Improving Communication
Introduction & Expedition Briefing – The team sets foot in Antarctica
To begin with, the participants are introduced to the story: the room is decorated in a light Antarctic style; the teams are briefed on their expedition and given an initial insight into the topic of communication. It becomes clear that today is not just about tasks, but about the question of how information is actually received within the team.
A particular sense of anticipation builds right from this stage: the participants know that they will soon have to act together – but they do not yet know what communication hurdles lie ahead. It is precisely this introduction that sets the scene, enabling them not only to play the game later on, but also to consciously observe their own behaviour.
Phase 1 – Together to base camp
In the first task, the team must reach base camp together using the equipment provided. To do this, the participants move across the room on a single pair of skis – a seemingly simple goal that only works if everyone moves in the same direction, at the same pace and in perfect coordination.
This is about the foundations of successful team communication: Who provides guidance? Who listens? Who asks questions? And how can you get a group moving without leaving anyone behind? This first phase shows just how important clear instructions and a shared understanding are, even when tackling simple tasks.
Phase 2 – Pitching the tent in a snowstorm
On arrival at base camp, the team has to pitch a tent – but under difficult conditions. Some participants cannot see, whilst others are unable to carry out tasks properly. This turns the task into an intensive communication exercise: those who can recognise a problem cannot necessarily solve it themselves. Those who can carry out tasks need precise and clear instructions.
The parallels with everyday working life are immediately apparent: there, too, some people recognise problems but do not have the authority or the means to resolve them directly. Others have the ability to take action but fail to recognise the problem. Success only comes when both sides communicate with one another clearly, patiently and comprehensibly.
Phase 3 & Reflection – Retrieving the equipment and recording findings
In the final task, lost items of equipment must be located using a logbook and various maps. One person reads out the information whilst others transfer it onto their own maps – yet everyone sees the situation from a different perspective. It is precisely here that it becomes clear just how differently the same words can be understood.
After each phase of the game, the teams reflect on their approach using an evaluation form. Finally, they discuss their experiences together: What worked? Where did misunderstandings arise? What form of communication does each person need? This leads to clear insights that can be applied to everyday working life – such as realising when a quick phone call is sufficient and when a video call with screen sharing makes much more sense.
Classification within the BITOU 4-level system
On Thin Ice is part of Level 3 of the BITOU 4-Level-System. This level goes beyond traditional engagement: teams not only share an experience, but also reflect specifically on what this behaviour says about their collaboration.
- Level 1 – Classic team event:
The focus here is on fun, energy and shared experiences. - Level 2 – Intelligent team building:
Experience and initial reflection are linked, for example to highlight collaboration or points of interface. - Level 3 – Team development:
Programmes such as On Thin Ice specifically address team-related issues such as communication, roles and decision-making behaviour. - Level 4 – Team coaching:
Here, the team continues to work on specific topics in a personalised and intensive manner.
This makes On Thin Ice ideal for teams who are not just looking for an experience, but who want to truly understand and improve their communication.
The benefits of On Thin Ice at a glance:
✔ Communication becomes visible: Teams experience first-hand where information is lost, misunderstood or passed on in a way that is not precise enough.
✔ Developing a common language: This format demonstrates how important clear terminology, clarifying questions and a shared understanding within the team are.
✔ Enabling a change of perspective: Participants realise that others may perceive the same situation in a completely different way – and that this is precisely where many misunderstandings arise.
✔ Practising collaboration under challenging conditions: The tasks highlight how teams react when not everyone has the same information or opportunities.
✔ Reflection with direct application: After each phase, we assess what has happened and what conclusions can be drawn for day-to-day work.
✔ Awareness of individual communication needs: Teams recognise who needs visual support, who needs clear instructions, and when each form of communication is appropriate.
✔ Building trust and understanding: When communication is successful, it not only boosts efficiency – it also builds mutual trust.
What our customers say
On Thin Ice as part of the BITOU event tour
On Thin Ice is an effective introductory format for deeper team development when the focus is on communication. It highlights how people receive, pass on and interpret information – thereby laying a valuable foundation for further development.
- Next step: Adventure Everest
If the team wishes to further integrate communication with strategy, planning and the joint achievement of objectives. - Alternative specialisation: Rome
Once On Thin Ice has been read, it becomes clear that it is not just communication, but also roles, resources and collaboration that need to be considered within the overall system. - A deeper encounter: Deep sea expedition
When the focus is less on communication techniques and more on understanding, motivations and genuine interaction within the team.
In this way, On Thin Ice becomes not just a communication format, but the starting point for a focused team journey.
Frequently Asked Questions about On Thin Ice – FAQ’s
What exactly is On Thin Ice about?
Is On Thin Ice more of a training session or a team event?
Do participants need to be particularly fit?
Is there a debriefing after the tasks?
For which teams is On Thin Ice particularly useful?
At a glance
General Services
- Professional facilitation and coaching support from experienced BITOU team trainers*
- A structured programme comprising experiential phases, evaluation and reflection
- Content, organisation and delivery by BITOU
- Transfer-oriented analysis, so that insights can be put to use in day-to-day work
- Tailoring to team size, objectives and key communication areas
*Only included if you book the active module with a trainer.
Product-specific services
- ICE-Logik: Identify, Communicate, Evaluate as a common thread
- An evaluation sheet to be completed after the tasks, so that teams can reflect on their own behaviour
- Experience-based communication exercises rather than theoretical training
- Direct application to everyday life in relation to topics such as misunderstandings, perspectives and a common language
- including licence fees of Tirian Australia
Facts
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5 – 500
-
150 - 240 min
-
Face to Face
-
Europe
-
German, English
-
1 m2 per participant, at least 30 m2
-
Year round
-
Indoor
Suitable for
- Executive teams
- Teams on all hieratic levels
- High performance teams
- Sales teams
