Zombie Outbreak
There's one reason why training simulations are a popular choice for team development training. They work. That's because 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 the similar feelings of stress and conflict that accompany everyday organizational life.
The Zombie Outbreak Scenario
It's a Monday morning in downtown Colorado Springs. The day starts out as every other. You arrive at the office, ready to begin work. You spend some time greeting a new employee and chatting with your co-workers. Someone brings up a news story about three people who were killed over the weekend – rumor has it – by zombies. Conversation ensues about the probability of such an occurrence when there is a sudden frenzy in the office over an employee who appears to be acting out of sorts, going as far as biting another person. The rumor suddenly becomes a reality. You and your four co-workers quickly realize that you must work together to make some vital decisions on what to do and how to best equip yourselves in order to survive the developing zombie outbreak.
Learning Outcomes
- Allow your team to practice team decision making under pressure.
- Provide an opportunity for your team to practice interpersonal skills, such as active listening, questioning, and confronting behaviors, in a realistic setting.
- Illustrate the concept of team synergy.
- Provide you with a nonthreatening opportunity to work together.
Zombie Outbreak is an excellent training tool for any team, especially those in the midst of conflict.
Following the introduction of the survival scenario, participants are challenged to rank six action options and 15 survival 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 three-hour workshop explores the concept of synergy and consensus decision making. It also helps teams to develop vital group-process skills such as interpersonal communication and problem solving.
The Zombie Outbreak Facilitator Guide includes everything trainers need to lead the simulation and classroom training workshop.
Uses and Applications
Zombie Outbreak can be used as a standalone training instrument or incorporated into a more comprehensive programme on teambuilding. It's also effective as a component for problem-solving and decision-making training programmes.
Use the survival simulation to:
- 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 behaviors in a realistic setting.
- Train team leaders in team facilitation skills.
- Open or close a learning session.
- Introduce an organizational change.
- Interject a fun activity into an otherwise serious agenda.
- Supplement outdoor experiential learning.
What to Order
Facilitator Set: Order one per trainer.
The comprehensive facilitator set includes everything trainers need to deliver Zombie Outbreak, including background information, administrative guidelines, a step-by-step workshop outline, expert rationale, frequently asked questions, training template outline, Microsoft PowerPoint presentation, and sample participant materials. Note: Some of the support materials for this product are available as a downloadable file immediately after purchase.
Participant Guide: Order one per individual or participant.
The Participant Guide includes the scenario, pressure-sensitive scoring, Colorado Springs map, conversion charts, worksheets, information about synergy, team reflection, and action planning.