A ropes course is a series of individual challenges and group problem-solving initiatives designed to develop teamwork skills and individual confidence. Ideally, the entire course provides a context in which significant interpersonal learnings take place. Each understanding gained on the course is a stepping stone to greater competency and growth.

The purpose of a ropes course is to identify and develop the participants' behaviors and attitudes that, together, optimize the group's collective force. The process of identifying and developing such behaviors requires some degree of risk taking. It is not always easy or comfortable to expose and discuss issues that affect the team adversely.

The events on the course provide the team with experiential metaphors for the dynamics of the workplace. The team's patterns of interaction—both strengths and weaknesses—are reproduced and magnified during the events. Fortunately, the trainer who is facilitating the event can intervene (much as a football coach calls a time out) so that the team can adjust its strategy to operate more effectively.

Each new learning builds on the learnings from the previous event. To be effective, team members must establish a bedrock of trust. When relevant thoughts and feelings are shared honestly and respectfully, the impact on the team is far-reaching and beneficial. As mutual trust develops among members, both individuals and the team become better prepared to tackle more challenging events and issues.

From The Power of Team Building; Using Ropes Techniques
by Harrison Snow.