The Stranded on an Island Exercise

Stranded on an Island is a teambuilding activity that asks people to identify what object they would bring if they were to be stranded on a deserted island. Within groups, people decide how to improve their chances of survival by combining various objects.

Each person discusses why they brought the object.

This is a useful team building activity to help people get to know each other better. Form groups of about five to ten people and give the following instructions:

“Unfortunately, you will be relocated and stranded on a deserted island for an indefinite amount of time. You may only bring one item to the island, and you only have a few minutes notice. What will you bring? Share with your group your object, why you chose it, and what you plan to do with it.”

Have each person briefly share their item, why it is important to them, and what they plan to do with it. After everyone has shared, instruct the groups to figure out how they can improve their chances of survival by combining the items in creative ways.

Allow ten to fifteen minutes of brainstorming time, and then have each group present their ideas.

Games like these are for workers to strengthen communication skills to emphasize a shared identity in any organization. Also, this activity encourages creative thinking and decision making when faced with difficult choices.

The topics of this publication: interactions, argumentation, strategy, cooperation, teamwork, adaptation, adaptability skills, collaboration, integration, creativity, imagination