As part of a recent MBA team-building exercise held in a forest setting, students participated in an activity designed to enhance memory, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Participants were asked to memorize cards placed on the ground, each marked with letters and numbers on the back, and later arrange them in the correct alphabetical and numerical order. The group adopted a strategy in which each member memorized three letters or numbers and only flipped cards not assigned to others. Despite their organized approach, the team was unsuccessful, having overlooked two identical letters and discovered that one number was missing.The outcome highlighted the importance of coordination, collective verification, and effective communication in achieving group success—key lessons directly applicable to leadership and management practice.

In the next activity, several objects were placed inside a box, and the team had to stand in a line. The participants passed the objects over their heads to the person behind them, and once the last person received them, they had to return the items to the front by passing them through their legs. The goal was to transfer all the objects back into the box within a very limited amount of time. The activity emphasized coordination, timing, and teamwork under pressure. It highlighted how effective communication, precise role allocation, and synchronized effort are essential for achieving goals in a time-constrained environment.

In the following activity, the team faced a muddy terrain with tree trunks placed at specific intervals. They were given five blocks and a rope to create a safe pathway that would allow everyone to cross from the starting line to the finish. One block was extra and not needed for the path. The team had to strategize how to place the blocks and use the rope effectively without sinking into the mud. One block was used twice in their strategy, while another block proved useless. Although multiple participants offered suggestions, the team ultimately learned that listening to everyone is valuable, but decisive leadership is crucial to coordinate efforts and successfully complete the task.