Beyond the Valley of the Kings
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