Name of the Exercise
Lost on the moon.
Description
A
simulation in which participants apply and test concensus decision-making
techniques.
Duration
45-60
minutes.
Identified Need
Lack
of appropriate concensus decision-making. For example, using concensus approaches
in time-sensitive situations, or using an authoritative style when increased
levels of buy-in are needed.
Performance Objective
To
have participants understand the cost and benefits of using concensus as a
decision-making technique. To demonstrate the effectiveness of using all
available resources when crucial decisions must be made. To utilize concensus
techniques in specific decision-making situations as appropriate given the
individual situation.
Technical Consideration
Materials:
- “Lost on the moon” Instruction Sheet
- “Lost on the Moon” Worksheet
- “Lost on the Moon” Scoring Key
- Video recorder, camera and blank tape
Technical Procedure
- Present the problem to participants and have them complete the individual problem sheets.
- Distribute worksheets and have participants copy individual answers from problem sheets.
- Describe concensus decision-making and how to function as a concensus group (rules).
- Divide into concensus sub-groups of 3 or 4 persons each.
- Have the groups solve the problem as a concensus decision-making group while videotaping the proceedings. Try to cover all groups. Pick up high conflict situations and try to catch dominators in action.
- Score the individual results and post on board/flip chart by sub group.
- Score the sub-group results and post on the board/flip chart by sub-group.
- Lead the group in analyzing the results so as to reach the objective.
- Pass out the concensus decision-making instruction sheet for future use.
Co-trainer Responsibility
Assist
with videotaping process. Participate as informed observer in pointing out
typical group behaviours exhibited on the tape. Make links between observed
behaviours and actual on-the-floor situations.
Tactical Procedure
- Note the benefits of concensus decision-making: quality of
decision, cohesiveness of group in implementation, works well when there is no
single authoritative view.
- Did participants develop a process to use in making their
decisions, or did they choose an authority to run the activity? Emphasize that
in the absence of authority, there HAS to be a clear process to which all
participants can orient.
- Note the costs of concensus decision-making: much more time taken in making a decision, the “boss” has to give up authority, the quality of decision will not improve if there is a single authoritative view.
Possible Option
This
activity can be used to elucidate additional concepts, such as problem solving.
It is possible to ask the groups to apply a particular model of problem solving
to their current scenario, for example the 7 steps to effective problem
solving. If this option is used, be sure to have all available materials and
processing information from the chosen problem-solving model.
You can download forms besides to get 3 sheets of lost on the moon exercise.
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