Lost in the Desert

Lost in the Desert is a serious game designed to highlight the importance of sharing a common vision within a team. By immersing participants in a survival simulation, the game encourages them to collaborate in establishing priorities and making collective decisions. It showcases group dynamics and individual behaviours while emphasising the need for effective communication.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Introduction and scenario presentation

   10 min

   The facilitator presents the context: the participants are survivors of a plane crash in the middle of a desert. They have 15 items at their disposal for survival. The facilitator explains that each participant will first rank these items individually, and then as a group. This step serves to set the stage and spark the participants' interest.

   Tip — Use an engaging and dramatic tone to captivate participants from the start.

2. 2

   Individual ranking

   15 min

   Each participant receives a list of the 15 items and must rank them from most important to least important for survival. The facilitator asks participants to work in silence to avoid any external influence. This step allows participants to express their own judgement and identify their personal priorities.

   Tip — Encourage participants to quickly jot down their thoughts to facilitate later sharing.

3. 3

   Group discussion and ranking

   30 min

   Participants come together to discuss and establish a common ranking of the items. The facilitator observes the interactions and ensures that everyone has the opportunity to express themselves. This step is crucial for exploring group dynamics and the ability to reach a consensus.

   Tip — Intervene if necessary to encourage participation from the more reserved individuals and prevent domination by a few.

4. 4

   Revealing the experts' responses

   10 min

   The facilitator presents the ranking of the items established by survival experts. Participants compare their personal rankings and the group ranking with that of the experts, calculating the discrepancies. This step allows for measuring the effectiveness of individual and collective decisions.

   Tip — Clearly explain the calculation of discrepancies to avoid any confusion and ensure everyone understands the process.

5. 5

   Score analysis

   10 min

   Participants calculate their individual scores and the group's score. The facilitator asks participants with a personal score higher than the group's score to raise their hands. This step highlights the potential effectiveness of collaborative work compared to individual decisions.

   Tip — Prepare calculation examples in advance to illustrate the process if necessary.

6. 6

   Debriefing

   25 min

   The facilitator guides a discussion on the reasons for the score differences and the dynamics observed. They encourage participants to reflect on the importance of a common vision and active listening. This step allows for drawing lessons applicable to professional contexts.

   Tip — Use open-ended questions to stimulate reflection and foster a rich and constructive exchange.

Variants

• Add a time constraint to simulate pressure and observe the group's reactions.
• Introduce specific roles for each participant to explore leadership dynamics.
• Conduct the exercise twice, once without prior discussion and once with discussion to compare results.