Beyond the Valley of the Kings
Can your team handle the heat? Beyond the Valley of the Kings is a survival training simulation requiring teams to work together to survive being stranded in the Sahara desert.
HRDQ Team Adventure Series training simulations are a popular choice for team development training. They're an effective way to introduce the concept of synergy and help team members quickly develop vital group-process skills such as consensus decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution in a nonthreatening learning environment.
How It Works
Each adventure simulation in HRDQ's Team Adventure Series starts with a suspense-filled scenario that challenges teams to work together to escape danger with only limited resources - and each other. While most people can rest assured knowing they'll never encounter these survival situations, they do experience similar feelings of stress and conflict, which accompany everyday organizational life.
Beyond the Valley of the Kings Scenario
An Egyptian hot-air balloon tour ends in trauma when it crash-lands in the endless white sands of the Sahara Desert. The heat is on, while the group must think quickly to consider and rank the best action alternatives under pressure.
Following the introduction of the Beyond the Valley of the Kings survival scenario, participants are challenged to rank six action strategies and 10 duffle items - first as individuals, then a second time as a team. Participants compare their team scores to the best individual score and expert rationale to determine if synergy was achieved.
Uses and Applications
Illustrate the concept of team synergy using Beyond the Valley of the Kings. This fun, energizing activity provides teams a nonthreatening opportunity to work together.
Use this survival simulation to:
- Help teams practice consensus decision-making
- Improve active listening, probing, and confronting behaviors
- Train team leaders in team facilitation skills
- Introduce an organizational change
- Interject a fun activity into an otherwise serious agenda
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this simulation, participants will:
- Discover how to develop group problem-solving skills using a five-step process
- Learn how groups make decisions
- Discover the advantages of consensus decision-making
- Uncover the three elements of synergy
- Understand how to use team judgment
Product Details
Product Type: Survival simulation. The Facilitator Guide includes everything you need to lead a successful training session.
Target Audience: Employees at all levels.
Measures: Consensus decision-making under pressure.
Dimensions: Decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and conflict resolution.
Time Required: Simulation: 15 minutes. Workshop: Two hours.
What to Order
Facilitator Guide: Order One Guide Per Trainer.
The Facilitator Guide includes background information, administrative guidelines, step-by-step workshop outline, and sample participant materials. Facilitator materials will be available as a digital download link in your order confirmation.
Participant Guide 5-Pack: Order Pack For Up to Five Participants.
The Participant Guide includes the adventure scenario, pressure-sensitive scoring, background information, team worksheets, and action planning.
About the Authors
The HRDQ Development Team creates soft-skills learning solutions that help to improve the performance of individuals, teams, and organizations. At HRDQ, we believe an experiential approach is the best catalyst for adult learning. Our unique Experiential Learning Model has been the core of what we do for more than 40 years. We combine the best of organizational learning theory and proven facilitation methods with an appreciation for adult learning styles, our philosophy initiates and inspires lasting change.
Additional Resources
- Article | How Team Survival Simulations Come Into Play
- Info Kit | Download the Team Adventure Series Info Kit