“No plan survives first contact with the enemy,” said Helmuth von Moltke. So why not seek contact before the scenarios in the crisis plan become reality? That’s what crisis exercises are all about: learning to handle uncertainty in a safe, simulated environment. PM specializes in organizing a variety of crisis exercises, simulations, and games that enhance your organisation’s crisis readiness.
About our crisis exercises
PM’s crisis exercises are always carefully tailored to your objectives and the maturity of the team. PM’s trainers will advise you on the most suitable exercise formats, objectives, and scenarios:
- During a Calamity Cards workshop or drills, we quickly go through many different scenarios with the aim of assessing how well the organisation is prepared for various crisis situations.
- A tabletop crisis exercise presents participants with a single realistic and evolving scenario to work through. We usually proceed at a relatively slow pace and allow ample time for discussion and reflection. This exercise remains confined to the room in which it is conducted.
- A sandbox exercise is similar to a tabletop exercise, but in this case, the participants are expected to actually perform tasks. This might include testing specific procedures, alerting people, launching emergency websites, informing stakeholders, etc. This type of exercise is very popular.
- It doesn’t get more realistic than a field training exercise (FTX). During an FTX, emergency services actually respond on-site, evacuations must be carried out, and crisis management comes to life in its entirety. If there weren’t people around wearing ‘observer’ vests, you would never know it was a simulation!
PM conducts dozens of diverse crisis exercises each year and is the ideal partner to put your crisis team(s) to the test.
About our game simulations
Would you prefer something a bit more abstract? Are you tired of ‘traditional’ crisis exercises and looking for a different form of learning? Or are you seeking something that can also serve as team building? Our game simulations are perfect for that.
Why games are an extremely suitable form of exercise is explained in this article written by Robbert Meulemeester and Dr. Steven Van den Oord.
Zombie Game
The world’s only game simulation on integrated crisis management. A unique experience that will change the way you perceive crisis management. Do you dare?
Calamity Cards
Your reality check. Our cards always provide new insights. Bet you’ve never thought about these scenarios before?
Work method
Here is how we proceed in preparing your crisis exercise:
During the intake meeting, we get to know the context of your organization and your objectives better. We specifically inquire about the organization’s greatest risks, the architecture of the crisis management structure, the maturity of the crisis team, lessons learned from previous exercises, and so on.
We get to work and prepare your exercise from concept to completed materials. We pay particular attention to the exercise objectives, the scenario, and the expectations for each participant. For this, we also rely on valuable input from you or your colleagues.
The participants receive a thorough briefing in advance so they know exactly what is expected of them. We also provide them with tips and methodologies to ensure they excel in the exercise and leave with confidence afterward.
PM acts as the game master during the crisis exercise. Depending on your preferences, we either remain passive observers or do not hesitate to intervene and make immediate adjustments as needed.
During a hot debrief, participants can express their emotions and any frustrations. Participants and observers have the opportunity to share observations, feedback, and lessons learned with each other. For this, we refer back to the exercise objectives that were shared earlier.
A full debrief follows a few days after the exercise. In that report, we summarize our impressions, observations, feedback, and lessons learned, and provide recommendations on the crisis management and any potential next steps.
Let us get in touch
Interested in a crisis exercise, simulation, or serious game? Leave your details here, and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
Competency-based learning
Competency-based learning means purposefully working towards the competencies needed to effectively fulfill a crisis role. PM has competency standards for the most common roles within the crisis team that describe the required knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
Benefits of competency-based learning include: