Survival Scenario

Purpose

Survival Scenario exercises (such as Lost at Sea, Desert Survival, or Arctic Survival) ask participants to rank essential items for survival in a hypothetical emergency. First individually, then as a group, and finally compared against an expert ranking. The exercise powerfully demonstrates that group decisions typically outperform individual ones — but only when the group genuinely listens and synthesises rather than deferring to the loudest voice.

At a glance

• Group size: 8–40 participants (teams of 4–6)
• Duration: 40 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: Structured rounds with scoring
• Setting: Indoors; tables and chairs

How to run

1. Set the scene (3 min): Read the survival scenario aloud. Distribute the item list (typically 15 items).
2. Individual ranking (7 min): Each person ranks the items from most to least important. No discussion.
3. Group ranking (15 min): Teams must reach consensus on a single ranking. No voting or averaging — the group must genuinely agree through discussion.
4. Reveal expert ranking and score (10 min): Share the expert answer. Calculate the absolute difference between each ranking and the expert answer. Lower scores are better. Compare individual average scores to the group score.
5. Debrief (5 min): Did the group outperform individual averages? Who influenced the group most? Were quieter members heard? What does this tell you about how you make decisions together?

Materials needed

• Printed scenario sheets with item lists (one per participant)
• Scoring sheets
• Expert ranking answer key
• Pens

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Allowing voting: The exercise requires consensus, not majority rule. Voting defeats the purpose.
• Time pressure too tight on group phase: 15 minutes is a minimum. Rushed consensus is shallow.
• Not scoring: Without comparing scores, the key insight (group vs. individual performance) is lost.
• Using obscure scenarios: Choose scenarios participants can relate to. Classic ones (sea, desert, arctic, moon) are well-tested.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Provide printed materials in readable font sizes.
• Encourage facilitators to actively invite quieter voices during the group phase.
• The exercise is fully cognitive and works for all physical ability levels.
• Offer scenarios in the group's primary language.

Variations

• Lost at Sea: Classic maritime survival. Well-documented expert ranking available.
• Moon Landing: NASA scenario. Space-themed and popular with technical audiences.
• Office Survival: Humorous adaptation — rank items for surviving a 48-hour office lockdown.
• Two-round Survival: After the first group ranking, allow teams to revise after hearing other teams' logic.

When NOT to use this

• When the group needs physical energy — this is a seated, cerebral exercise.
• Immediately after a team decision that went badly — the exercise may feel like salt in the wound.
• With groups that are deeply sceptical of expert authority — they may reject the scoring rather than reflect.

Source & further reading

• Lafferty, J.C. and Eady, P.M. (1974). Desert Survival Situation. Human Synergistics.
• NASA Moon Survival Task. Various published versions.
• Johnson, D.W. and Johnson, F.P. (2013). Joining Together: Group Theory and Group Skills. Pearson.