Do we have a collaborative mindset, or do we think of competition? Do we share ideas and best practices openly? If not, why? Is the team aligned with a common goal?
These are the common questions that are put forth through various examples in the simulation. The team is presented with the statistics at the end to show how much gold we managed to mine and how much gold we could have mined had we collaborated more effectively! It shows opportunity loss for the business due to a competitive mindset.
One of the most engaging business simulations in the world, The Search for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine, is a team-based activity that can be run for teams of just about any size. This fast-paced simulation engages teams in a journey to mine gold in the American Southwest. Teams go through a 20-day journey in the mountains of Arizona with the objective of mining as much gold as possible. Each day, the weather affects the consumption of resources. A day in the simulation lasts for only 2 minutes, during which teams have to make quick decisions and complete the trading by giving the resources at the trading post.
Individuals from your organization enter a room to see south-western decor and a colorful Lost Dutchman's logo on the wall. They hear high-energy western music. The expedition leader and provisioner greet them. Everyone puts on their cowboy hats and bandanas. And their learning journey begins!
