The closest thing to survival training the average Hong Kong banker has to contend with
is making sure they don't exceed their credit limit. But a British company has found that
a combination of teamwork, leadership skills, effective communication and engendering an
open and honest culture, somtimes in usual situations, can produce real results in the
closeted atmosphere of the corporate team.
UPH describes itself as a management development consultancy, and the company believes that
promoting leadership and team-building skills will impact visibly on the productivity of
your organisation.
"the mechanics of how a successful sportsperson or team operates is the same as any
successful businessperson or organisation"
And the guys behind the company should know what they are talking about. Rory
Underwood, John Peters and Martyn Helliwell, the 'u', the 'p' and the 'h' in the company's name,
are all celebrated leaders and team players. Rory is probably best known for his international
rugby career, spanning almost twelve years: John has developed an international reputation as a
speaker on his Gulf War PoW experiences; and Martyn has 27 years training as a combat survival
instructor, trained by both the SAS and US Navy SEALs. Rory was in Hong Kong recently looking to develop courses in the region. He spoke
to spring about the company and their plans for Hong Kong.
SPRING: Would you be able to give us a brief overview of what your company could
do here in Hong Kong? RORY UNDERWOOD: Wherever you are in the world, an organisation needs to have good
teamwork ethics and inspiring leadership. The unique combination of our experiences, the
blend of the indoor and outdoor training and the bespoke manner in which we design our
programmes provides each organisation with a constructive learning environment that allows
individuals and teams to optimise their teamwork and leadership skills.
S: You're obviously well known for your rugby career, but what do you
think makes your sporting experiences relevant to the corporate environment? RU: The mechanics of how a successful sportsperson or team operates is
the same as you'll find with any successful businessperson or organisation. We explore the
mechanics of teamwork and leadership, and allow individuals and teams to practise these
skills in an open and hones environment. The added dimension of hearing experiences from
other walks of life creates the unique atmostphere of a UPH course and helps
reinforce the learning points.
S: You and your two parterns all have a military background. How have you
been able to use these experiences in your current role? RU: The answer is the same as I gave above. The elements of militar
principles and survival experiences in our programmes provide a different experience to
the classroom based training. Our training and experience has also helped us through the
trials and tribulations of setting up a small business.
S: Where does your interest in Hong Kong come from? RU: My brother, Gary, who has worked in Hong Kong for a number of years,
suggested we explore this market. It didn't take me long to realise the potential and I have
been very flattered by the initial feedback I have received following my short visit last
October.
S: Some of the activities look pretty strenuous and even dangerous.
Do you think this type of training is relevant to the Hong Kong market? RU: The activities are not dangerous or strenuous and our courses are not
designed to test an individual's physical endurance. We work with the organisation to ensure
that we work at the right level and take into account any factors that would not allow certain
individuals to get involved in any or all of the exercises. We are providing an experience
that enhances the learning environment and provides individuals and teams with a common
language and sense of teamwork they can take back to the workplace.
S: Finally, how soon do you plan to start courses here and how can people get
more information about your company? RU: We would like to start as soon as we can. Ideally, we would run our
courses in Hong Kong over a two to four week period and I will be in Hong Kong again for the
Rugby 7s. For more information, you can call me on +44 (0)1584 781 028.
