{"id":15629,"date":"2019-03-16T10:02:38","date_gmt":"2019-03-16T09:02:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bitou.net\/?post_type=product&p=15629"},"modified":"2026-07-27T09:00:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T07:00:40","slug":"on-thin-ice","status":"publish","type":"team_event","link":"https:\/\/www.bitou.de\/en\/team-development\/on-thin-ice\/","title":{"rendered":"On thin ICE – the core of teamwork"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Event Schedule \u2013 Experiencing, Understanding and Improving Communication<\/h2>\n\t\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n
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Introduction & Expedition Briefing \u2013 The team sets foot in Antarctica<\/h3>

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.<\/p>\n

A particular sense of anticipation builds right from this stage: the participants know that they will soon have to act together \u2013 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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Phase 1 \u2013 Together to base camp<\/h3>

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 \u2013 a seemingly simple goal that only works if everyone moves in the same direction, at the same pace and in perfect coordination.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Phase 2 \u2013 Pitching the tent in a snowstorm<\/h3>

On arrival at base camp, the team has to pitch a tent \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t

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Phase 3 & Reflection \u2013 Retrieving the equipment and recording findings<\/h3>

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 \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 such as realising when a quick phone call is sufficient and when a video call with screen sharing makes much more sense.<\/p>\n

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Classification within the BITOU 4-level system<\/h2>\n

On Thin Ice is part of Level 3 of the BITOU 4-Level-System<\/a>. This level goes beyond traditional engagement: teams not only share an experience, but also reflect specifically on what this behaviour says about their collaboration.<\/p>\n