Template:Activity
The Search for The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine - A large group teambuilding exercise
Objectives
Lost Dutchman has been used since 1984 as a tool for generating collaboration among workgroups. It is used as a leadership development program along with its impacts on corporate team building. The goal is, "To mine as much gold as WE can" and to optimize overall ROI, but the tabletops will often choose a competitive strategy of, "My Team, My Team, My Team" instead, trying to beat the results of other teams. As a result, they will measurably sub-optimize overall results and achievements of the group.
It works with small groups of 12 to 20 while it also plays with groups of 200+, making it work in both training and development programs as well as for corporate teambuilding retreats.
Group Size
Materials
Games are sold for various sized groups, offering the user a complete set of training materials including powerpoint slides for Intro, Play and Debriefing. The exercise are complete and include all the information and materials needed for delivery. Find more information about the game and design and packaging at: http://www.performancemanagementcompany.com/Dutchman-s-Gold-Mine-s/110.htm
Set Up
Tabletops are up to 6 people each, with no limits on the numbers of tables. Teams can be as small as 3 people each and, due to the opportunities for collaboration, at least 3 tabletops should be in play. Powerpoint slides are used for game instruction and debriefing.
Directions
Set up the tables and arrange the projector and screen. Before the delivery, familiarize with the extensive descriptive and training information. Large groups can be supported with a minimum of training effort for support people, since the game is elegant in design for delivery. Complete support materials are included. One person can deliver and run the game for 36 people with little difficulty.
Debrief
A wide variety of debriefing slides are included with each game. These can focus on general themes of organizational development or can be tightly tied to generating innovation or managing and motivating people. The game is used to teach strategic planning and project management, as well as useful for developing plans for strategy implementation and rollout or change management.
Alternatives
There are few exercises in the marketplace that represent complete, polished products like this one. This game has been played by groups of 15 and as large as 870; it scales up wonderfully. Plus, it is sold with a one-time cost and lifetime warranty. Sold since 1993, we have people who still use that original version despite our continuous updates. Sold worldwide. Totally supported by the designer, Dr. Scott Simmerman.
