A Simulation that…
- replicates the challenges teams face in today’s competitive, demanding work environment
prepares teams to boost their effectiveness through planning and a focus on maximizing results- supports the implementation of a high performance team approach in your organization
- moves your strategy from playing just to survive to playing to win
The Setting…
The mission for the teams is to race one another across the hostile desert to the mountains, mine for gold, and then return across the burning sands and cash in their treasure at the market rate. The winning team is the one that:
- survives and
- has massed the greatest net worth.
Operating under tight time pressures, teams plan and make strategic decisions regarding routing, timing, the acquisition and use of limited supplies, and contingency plans for heatwaves and sandstorms that frequently assail our intrepid adventurers.
The Learnings…
Focus on Maximizing Results
Activity alone does not guarantee productivity. Participants are challenged to think in terms of “what is possible” rather than “what is necessary to survive.” Success begins with a commitment to maximize.
Utilization of Resources
Teams start with the same “fixed budget” and (limited) resources, the most critical being time, information, and people. Teams that consistently outperform identify and use every resource towards maximizing output.
Planning and Goal-Setting
The simulation demonstrates that, when faced with time pressure and activity by the competition, most teams replace planning with immediate action. The debrief reinforces the direct impact that planning and goals have on team performance.
Teamwork and Leadership
Open communication, coordinated roles and responsibilities, smooth decision-making, accepted leadership, and a shared vision determine which teams will excel when the pressure is on.
The Event…
THIS is a fast paced, competitive, and high-energy experience for six to several hundred participants. The simulation, plus a 60-90 minute debrief takes a full half-day and lends itself well to a full day format. It is easily integrated into a longer course or conference. Participants have the opportunity to take a look at how they performed, extract some valuable personal insights, and then apply these to improving their individual and team effectiveness back on the job.
Created by Eagle’s Flight. Fulcrum Associates Inc. is a licensed distributor of this program.


Ian is an experienced presenter, group facilitator and executive coach. Through his keynote presentations, highly interactive workshops, and custom-designed team-building practice, he helps his clients leverage their investment in their managers and teams. 