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
Actual boating experiences, along with input from Navy Seals and other experts, contributed to the development of Vacation in the Keys, 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 round-table simulation challenges teams to rank 15 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 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 Vacation in the Keys
• Illustrate the concept of team synergy
• 'Break the ice' among new or conflicted teams
• Give teams a non-threatening opportunity to work together
• Help teams practice consensus decision making
• Improve active listening, probing, and confronting behaviours in a realistic setting
• Train team leaders in team facilitation skills
• Open or close a learning session
• Introduce an organisational change, such as the transition to self-managing teams
• Interject a fun activity into an otherwise serious agenda
• Assess group member competence
• Supplement outdoor experiential learning
Product Contents
Order one Facilitator Guideper trainer and one Participant Guide per team member.
Note: Vacation in the Keys works best when participants are divided into teams of seven or fewer per table.
Facilitator Guide includes:
• Administrative guidelines
• 2-hour workshop design NEW!
• Expert rationale
• Experiential learning/training methodology
• Training design options NEW!
• CD-ROM containing Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation, reproducible masters, and color slides of scenario location NEW!
• Updated page layout NEW!
• Sample copy of Participant Guide NEW!
• 2-hour workshop design with detailed preparation checklist and step-by-step facilitator instructions
• Convenient binder format NEW!
