As if the economic downturn was not a tough enough challenge facing businessmen and women, one BT executive has decided to turn up the pressure by taking part in a four-day assault challenge organised by the Territorial Army.

Lindsay Wilkinson, from Walton, joined 40 other executives from across the UK for the Sandhurst Leadership Challenge in Crowborough, Kent - a four-day leadership skills course.

The group were put through their paces under the expert guidance of Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment soldiers and experienced a challenging assault course team competition and an overnight camp in near freezing conditions.

Organisers said the course would improve manager’s leadership abilities by improving their confidence.

Course leader Major Mark Arscott said: "Participants learn to look at the resources and constraints of a situation and put together a viable solution.

"We focus on skills that can be easily transferred to a business environment and provide all participants with personal performance feedback."

Ms Wilkinson said it was a fascinating insight into the way the Army leads and communicates.

She said: "It’s been a great opportunity learning new skills from army leaders and it’s given me some really useful tips on how to organise my team in a commercial environment."

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