Cave Without a Name

It started innocently enough when a group of tourists entered a living cave near the Guadalupe River in Texas. Amazed by the fascinating rock formations and mysterious passageways, the group descends deep into unexplored territory when suddenly they hear a loud sound: "Shoof!" Before they can react, the caverns are consumed by a rush of water. The lights go dark, and now the group huddles in terror as they realize they're trapped with no apparent way out!

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.

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.

Following the introduction of the survival scenario, participants are challenged to rank four immediate response alternatives and ten daypack items – first as individuals and 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.

The two-hour workshop explores the concept of synergy and helps teams to develop vital group-process skills such as decision making and interpersonal communication. The exercise also includes an introduction to three elements of synergy, a five-step problem solving technique, four critical group maintenance skills, and the importance of consensus decision making.

By the end of this game, participants will

• Uncover how to develop group problem solving skills using a five-step process.
• Understand the four critical group maintenance skills.
• Learn how groups make decisions.
• Discover the advantages of consensus decision making.
• Understand four techniques to improve communication.
• Learn the three elements of synergy.

Cave Without a Name can be used as a standalone training instrument or incorporated into a more comprehensive training program on team-building. It's also effective as a component for problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills training programs.

Use this survival activity to:

• Illustrate the concept of team synergy
• Give teams a nonthreatening opportunity to work together
• Help teams practice consensus decision-making
• Improve active listening, probing, and confronting behaviors
• Train team leaders in team facilitation skills
• Introduce an organizational change

Facilitator Guide

Order one guide per trainer. The Facilitator Guide includes background information, administrative guidelines, a 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 one pack for up to five participants. The Participant Guide includes the adventure scenario, pressure-sensitive scoring, background information, team worksheets, and action planning.

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