Desert Island Activity (With Instructions & Debrief)
Do you want to conduct the desert island activity with your teams?
The Desert Island is rooted in the idea that simulated challenges can expose real-world team behaviors in a low-stakes environment. It challenges groups to solve problems collaboratively under hypothetical constraints. This scenario reveals team dynamics, communication styles, decision-making processes, and individual priorities. By placing participants in an imaginary survival situation, the activity encourages them to think critically while working together toward a common goal.
In this article, let’s see how to facilitate this engaging activity, explore its variations, and get tips for a successful session.
Here is an overview of the sections in this article:
- The objective of the Desert Island activity
- Five variations of the exercise with instructions
- Tips for successful facilitation
- Frequently asked questions about the activity
So, let’s get started!
Objective of the Activity
The Desert Island exercise is a versatile tool for team development. It provides valuable insights into how individuals and the group function under pressure.
Here are the key objectives of this activity.
Enhancing Communication Skills
Participants must articulate their ideas, listen to others, and engage in constructive debate to reach a consensus. The activity highlights the importance of clear, concise communication. It also shows how misunderstandings can affect group outcomes. Team members learn to express their reasoning, helping to build a foundation for more effective dialogue in the workplace.
Improving Problem-Solving Abilities
Faced with a survival scenario, teams must analyze the situation, identify key challenges, and generate creative solutions. This process sharpens their collective problem-solving skills. Participants learn to evaluate options, weigh pros and cons, and make strategic choices as a group, strengthening their capacity to tackle complex business problems.
Revealing Leadership and Team Roles
Natural leaders often emerge during the activity. Some individuals may take charge of organizing the discussion, while others might focus on generating ideas or ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. Observing these dynamics helps identify existing team roles and potential leadership qualities. It provides a snapshot of the group’s natural structure.
Building Consensus and Collaboration
The core challenge is for the group to agree on a limited number of items to bring to the island. This requires negotiation, compromise, and a focus on shared goals over individual preferences. The exercise teaches teams the value of collaboration. It also provides a practical lesson in building consensus, even when opinions differ.
Understanding Group Dynamics and Values
The items chosen by the team can reveal underlying group values. Do they prioritize practical survival tools, items for comfort, or tools for long-term rescue? Discussing these choices helps the team understand what they collectively deem important. This insight can translate to a better understanding of shared priorities in a work context.
5 Variations of the Desert Island Activity
Here are five different versions of the Desert Island scenario to suit various team goals.
#1. The Classic Survival Scenario
This version is the standard Desert Island exercise, focusing on immediate survival and teamwork. Participants must choose a limited number of items from a list to help them survive after being stranded.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: A list of 15-20 items, pen, and paper for each group
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Tell each team they have crash-landed on a deserted tropical island and must choose a set number of items (e.g., 8 out of 20) from a provided list to survive.
- Ask them to discuss the pros and cons of each item, working together to make a final selection within the time limit. For instance, a debate might arise between choosing a “tent” for shelter or a “flint stone” for fire.
- Once the time is up, instruct one person from each team to present their chosen items and the rationale behind their decisions.
- Facilitate a group discussion comparing the different choices and strategies.
Sample List of Items You Can Use
Here are 20 item names you can give to your teams.
- Tent
- Flint stone
- Rope
- First aid kit
- Map and compass
- Water purification tablets
- Matches or lighter
- Sleeping bag
- Knife or multitool
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Food rations
- Raincoat or poncho
- Portable cooking stove
- Hatchet or small axe
- Fishing gear
- Signal mirror
- Solar-powered charger
- Emergency whistle
- Notebook and pencil
- Firestarter
Feel free to modify the list by adding or removing items based on the scenario you wish to create. Ensure the items are a mix of necessities and less essential tools to encourage critical thinking.
Debrief
- How did your group make decisions?
- What were the most challenging items to agree on, and why?
- What did you learn about your team’s approach to problem-solving?
#2. The Role-Play Version
This variation adds a layer of complexity by assigning specific roles to each participant. It tests how individuals advocate for their needs while contributing to the group’s overall goal.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A list of items, role cards (e.g., Doctor, Engineer, Cook, etc.), a pen, and paper
Participants: 4-8 people per group
Instructions
- Give each participant a secret role card that outlines their profession and a specific need. The Doctor, for example, might prioritize medical supplies.
- Explain that the team must choose 10 items to survive, but each person should advocate for items relevant to their role.
- Challenge the teams to balance individual needs with the group’s collective survival.
- Have each team share their list. Also, ask individuals to reveal their roles and explain how they influenced the final decision.
Debrief
- How did having a specific role change your perspective?
- Did the group manage to balance individual needs with the team’s needs? If so, why?
- What does this exercise show about managing different priorities within a team project?
#3. The Long-Term Settlement Scenario
This activity shifts the focus from immediate survival to building a sustainable community. It encourages long-term strategic thinking and planning.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A list of items focused on building and cultivation, pen, and paper
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Inform the teams that rescue is not coming for at least a year, so their goal is to create a functioning society.
- Ask them to choose 10 items from a specialized list that includes things like seeds, building tools, or books on agriculture.
- Encourage discussion about what is needed to establish shelter, a food source, and a simple governance system.
- Have each team present their “settlement plan” along with their item list.
Debrief
- What were your top priorities for building a long-term community?
- How did your strategy differ from a short-term survival scenario?
- What does this activity reveal about your team’s ability to plan for the future?
#4. The Rescue Mission Version
This twist puts the team in the role of rescuers rather than survivors. It focuses on empathy, planning, and anticipating the needs of others.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: A brief description of the stranded group, a list of potential rescue items, a pen, and paper
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Tell the teams they are a rescue crew preparing to save a group stranded on a desert island.
- Provide a short profile of the survivors (e.g., “a group of five tourists, one with a broken leg”, etc.).
- Instruct the teams to choose 10 items from a list to bring on their rescue mission to aid the survivors.
- Ask each team to present their rescue package and explain why they chose each item.
Debrief
- How did you decide what the stranded group would need most?
- What assumptions did you make about the survivors’ situation?
- How does this exercise relate to understanding and meeting customer needs?
#5. The Individual Items Scenario
This version highlights personal values and priorities before moving into a group discussion. It is an excellent icebreaker and a gentle introduction to the main activity.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Pen and paper for each person
Participants: 3-8 people per group
Instructions
- Ask each individual to silently write down the three most important items they would personally want if stranded on a desert island.
- Once everyone is done, have each person share their three items and explain their reasoning to the group.
- After everyone has shared, challenge each group to create a final “team list” of just five items by negotiating and combining their individual lists.
- Facilitate a final discussion about the process of moving from individual priorities to a collective decision.
Debrief
- What did you notice about the items your teammates chose?
- How difficult was it to give up one of your personal items for the group’s list?
- What did this activity teach you about the different values within your team?
Tips for Successful Facilitation
Your role as a facilitator is key to making the Desert Island activity a meaningful experience. Proper guidance ensures the exercise runs smoothly and achieves its objectives.
Here are some tips to help you lead a successful session.
Set Clear Expectations
Before the activity begins, clearly explain the purpose, rules, and time limits. Let participants know that there are no “right” or “wrong” answers. The goal is to observe the process of teamwork, not to find the perfect survival strategy. A clear introduction helps everyone feel comfortable and focused on the task. It also prevents confusion, ensuring the team can dive straight into the discussion.
Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment
Encourage open and respectful communication. Remind participants that all ideas are welcome and that they should listen actively to their teammates. Your role is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak, especially quieter members of the group. If you notice one person dominating the conversation, gently intervene to invite other opinions. A positive environment fosters psychological safety, making people more willing to share their thoughts.
Be an Observer, Not a Participant
Once the activity starts, take a step back and observe. Pay attention to communication patterns, decision-making styles, and emerging leaders. Note who is generating ideas, who is building consensus, and who may be creating conflict. Your observations will be invaluable during the debrief session. Avoid interjecting your own opinions or guiding the team toward a specific outcome, as this can disrupt the natural group dynamic.
Manage Time Effectively
Keep a close eye on the clock and give the teams regular time updates. Announcing when they have five minutes left, then one minute left, can create a sense of urgency that mimics real-world project deadlines. This pressure can reveal how the team performs under stress. If a group is struggling to make a decision, resist the urge to give them more time unless absolutely necessary. Sticking to the schedule is part of the challenge.
Lead a Thorough Debrief
The debrief is the most important part of the activity. This is where the learning happens. Use open-ended questions to guide a reflective discussion. Ask teams to think about how they worked together, not just what they decided. Connect their experiences in the activity back to their day-to-day work. For instance, you could ask, “How is the way you made decisions in this game similar to how we approach decisions on our projects?”
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Final Words
The Desert Island activity is more than just a game; it is a powerful tool for building stronger teams. It promotes vital skills like communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. By exploring different variations, you can tailor the exercise to meet your team’s specific needs. The real value comes from the post-activity discussion, where insights are shared and connected to real-world work. Use this exercise to help your team navigate challenges together, both on the island and in the office.
FAQ: Desert Island Activity
You might have these questions in mind.
What is the main goal of the Desert Island activity?
The main goal is to improve team dynamics. It focuses on enhancing communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in a fun, low-stakes environment. The activity is designed to reveal how a team makes decisions and works together under pressure.
How long does this activity usually take?
The activity can be completed in 10-20 minutes, depending on the task you provide. However, you should budget an additional 10-15 minutes for the debrief session. The discussion afterward is where the most significant learning occurs, so it is important not to rush it.
Can this activity be done virtually?
Yes, this activity works very well for remote teams. You can use breakout rooms in a video conferencing tool for small group discussions. A shared digital whiteboard or document can be used for teams to list and finalize their chosen items.
What if a group cannot reach a consensus?
If a group cannot agree on their final list, this is a valuable outcome in itself. During the debrief, you can explore why they got stuck. This can reveal challenges with compromise, decision-making processes, or conflict resolution that can be addressed.
How many people should be in each group?
The ideal group size is 3 to 8 people. This range is small enough to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. It is also large enough to generate diverse opinions and a healthy discussion.
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