Problem-solving · Strategy · Fast decisions
Lost at Sea
Stranded on a life raft, teams rank 15 salvaged items by importance, first alone and then together, and compare with an expert answer.
Quick answer
How do you run Lost at Sea with a team?
Stranded on a life raft, teams rank 15 salvaged items by importance, first alone and then together, and compare with an expert answer. Duration: 45 minutes. Group size: 6–100 people. Setting: Virtual. Below you will find a step-by-step guide, the materials and facilitator tips.
- Duration
- 45 minutes
- Group size
- 6–100 people
- Setting
- Virtual
- Energy level
- Calm
- Materials
- Item list and ranking sheet per person, Expert ranking for the debrief, Pens or an online form
- Price
- Free, no sign-up
Objective
Show how a group decision beats most individual ones when everyone is heard.
Materials
- Item list and ranking sheet per person
- Expert ranking for the debrief
- Pens or an online form
Step by step
- Everyone ranks the 15 items alone in 10 minutes.
- Teams of 4–6 agree a single ranking in 20 minutes, without voting.
- Reveal the expert ranking and let each person and team score their difference.
- Compare individual and team scores.
- Discuss: whose knowledge was missed, and how was consensus reached?
Facilitator tips
- Ban majority voting in the team round so people must explain their reasoning.
- Keep the expert answer hidden until all teams finish.
Variations
- Desert or mountain versions with different item lists.
- Remote: use breakout rooms and a shared spreadsheet.
Accessibility
Seated and discussion-based. Share the list in advance for people who prefer time to read, and in each participant's language where possible.
