|
Beyond the Valley of the Kings
Second Edition
Illustrate the concept of team synergy
with Beyond the Valley of the Kings, a challenging adventure
simulation that focuses on decision making under pressure and the
importance of team building. Participants experience first-hand the
advantage of working as a team when they realize that the results
achieved as a group out-measure those of any one individual.
The Scenario
An exhilarating hot air balloon tour seemed like the perfect way
to see the wonders of Egypt. As you and your group gaze out at the
breathtaking views of the valleys far below, a sudden gust of wind
cuts the tranquil excursion short. Soon the balloon is
uncontrollable and crash-lands in the endless white Saharan sands.
With blinding sand storms and a temperature drop of 40 degrees
likely, can your group make a plan for survival and strive for
rescue?
Beyond the Valley of the Kings is an excellent exercise for
strategic planning teams and those who must think quickly in urgent,
high-stakes situations.
Learning Outcomes
-
Learn how to manage and resolve group
conflict
-
Hone group problem-solving skills
-
Improve communication
-
Discover the advantages of consensus
decision making
Theory
Lifelong interest in Egyptian culture and a dream-fulfilling trip
inspired Beyond the Valley of the Kings, a survival
simulation that demonstrates “team synergy” — the belief that
decisions made by groups are better than decisions made by
individuals acting alone (Michaelson, Watson, & Black, 1989). Groups
bring a greater sum total of knowledge and information to the
discussion of a problem, as well as a greater number of approaches
and perspectives. The simulation can also demonstrate “process
loss.” This phenomenon occurs when a knowledgeable group member
outperforms the group, indicating that the member’s knowledge was
lost sometime during the group discussion. In order for group
decision making to work, unique information must be shared and
absorbed by the group (Stasser, 1992).
How It Works
This powerful roundtable simulation challenges teams to rank six
action strategies and 10 salvaged items — first as individuals, and
then as a team. As the facilitator, you’ll begin the exercise by
introducing the adventure scenario. Participants will then rank the
strategies and salvaged items on their own, using pressure-sensitive
scoring forms. Next, each team conducts the same ranking process as
a unit. Finally, you’ll lead the participants into a group action
planning discussion, providing the team with the opportunity to
apply the learning to the workplace.
Uses for Beyond the Valley of the
Kings
-
Illustrate the concept of team synergy
-
“Break the ice” among new or conflicted
teams
-
Give teams a nonthreatening opportunity
to work together
-
Help teams practice consensus decision
making
-
Improve active listening, probing, and
confronting behaviors in a realistic setting
-
Train team leaders in team facilitation
skills
-
Open or close a learning session
-
Introduce an organizational change,
such as the transition to self-managing teams
-
Interject a fun activity into an
otherwise serious agenda
-
Supplement outdoor experiential
learning
What to Order/Product Contents
Order one Facilitator Guide per trainer and one Participant Guide
per team member.
Note: Beyond
the Valley of the Kings works best when participants
are divided into teams of seven or fewer per table.
Facilitator Guide
includes:
-
Administrative guidelines
-
2-hour workshop design
-
Expert rationale
-
Experiential learning/training
methodology
-
Training design options
-
CD-ROM containing Microsoft® PowerPoint®
presentation, reproducible masters, and color slides of scenario
location
-
Updated page layout
-
Sample copy of Participant Guide
-
Convenient binder format
Participant Guide
includes:
-
Scenario description
-
Pressure-sensitive response form
-
Team synergy score chart
-
Team discussion guidelines
|
