How can a single team-building experience spark powerful outcomes for teams at completely different development stages?
That’s what happened when we ran On Shifting Sands—our flagship experiential learning program—for two teams from the same pharmaceutical company. One team had been performing at a high level for over a decade; the other was still finding its rhythm. The same simulation. Two weeks apart. Two very different breakthroughs.
The Veteran Team: High-Performance, Hidden Blind Spots
As a parting workshop with his long-time team, a senior leader wanted to revisit the core values that had defined their success—especially “open communication” and “innovation.”
This team thrived on fast-paced, ego-free discussions where every idea could be voiced without fear. It looked like a dream culture. But when we introduced complex challenges during the simulation, a pattern emerged: the team quickly aligned behind the first solid idea instead of exploring bolder, more creative alternatives.
Their strength—open, fast decision-making—was also limiting their innovation.
“We thought our communication style was driving innovation,” they reflected. “But maybe it was rushing past it.”
Even so, their cohesion helped them score in the top 5% of all companies we’ve worked with. The takeaway? Even elite teams can benefit from slowing down and sharpening their creative edge.
The New Team: Learning to Listen
Two weeks later, we ran the same program with the leader’s new North Africa team. Unlike the first group, this team was still building trust. The early rounds of the simulation revealed a clear barrier: a lack of listening.
Team members spoke over one another, ideas were ignored, and collaboration broke down. But here’s the power of experiential learning—these moments weren’t theoretical. They were real, felt, and visible.
The team saw it for themselves. In their own words: “We failed because we didn’t listen.”
They regrouped, reframed their communication strategy, and entered the final challenge with a new mindset. The result? One team ranked in the top 5%, and the other just one point behind—earning a top 25% result.
Why This Matters
Same program. Two very different journeys. And in both cases, On Shifting Sands created a mirror for real-world team behavior—helping people see what they couldn’t before.
That’s the power of flexible experiential learning. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune a high-performing team or shape the culture of a new one, the right simulation reveals exactly what needs work.
Ready to Explore What’s Next for Your Team?
Whatever your team’s stage of development—or the outcomes you’re aiming for—we have a suite of experiential programs that can be tailored to your goals.
Want to learn more? Get in touch.
