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Beyond the Valley of the Kings
Second Edition
 
Facilitator Guide now features:
- 2-hour workshop design with detailed preparation checklist and step-by-step facilitator instructions
- CD-ROM including Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation, reproducible masters, and color slides of scenario location
- Alternative training designs
- Sample copy of re-formatted Participant Guide
- New binder format that’s easy to use and store
- Updated page layout
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
- Assess group member competence
- Supplement outdoor experiential learning
How to Order Beyond the Valley of the Kings
Order one Facilitator Kit 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 Kit includes: Administrative guidelines, sample Participant Guide, 2-hour workshop design, expert rationale, alternative training designs, and CD-ROM containing Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation, reproducible masters, and color slides of scenario location.
Participant Guide includes: Scenario description, instructions, pressure-sensitive response forms for ranking action strategies and salvaged items, score chart to determine whether team has achieved synergy, and guidelines for decision making and team discussion. |
