Shifting Alliances
Everyone wants the same outcome. Will everyone play fair to reach it?
About
What happens to trust when there is something to gain by breaking it? Shifting Alliances explores that question through a series of quick-fire challenges that test communication, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
All teams start with the same objective. As the game unfolds, however, they reach decision points that introduce uncertainty. At certain moments, individuals or whole teams are offered the chance to act in their own interest rather than for the benefit of everyone.
Each of those choices affects the scores, the progress of other teams and, ultimately, the final outcome. Alliances form, shift and sometimes collapse.
The result is an absorbing experience in which collaboration, negotiation and adaptability are essential, and in which teams must keep reassessing their strategy and relationships, just as they do in real organisations.
Learning outcomes
Shifting Alliances is designed to build trust, strengthen team dynamics and improve decision-making under pressure. By setting cooperation against self-interest, it reveals very clearly how behaviour shapes performance.
Participants become more aware of how trust is created, tested and maintained. Many are struck by how quickly it can be lost and how much effort it takes to rebuild.
The programme also draws attention to accountability, alignment and ethical decision-making, particularly when time is short and the way forward is unclear. Because choices are reflected directly in the scores, the link between conduct and results is hard to ignore.
A facilitated reflection then helps teams understand how they collaborate, how decisions are reached and how individual actions affect the group, insights that transfer directly to leadership and everyday teamwork.
Program flow
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Shared objective
Teams are formed, the common goal is explained and the first challenges are introduced.
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Quick-fire challenges
Teams tackle fast tasks that test communication, problem-solving and strategy.
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Decision points
At key moments, players choose between their own interest and the common good.
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Adjust and adapt
Teams review their plans, rebuild alliances and respond to changing conditions.
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Reflection
A facilitated discussion explores how trust and choices shaped the outcome.
What is included
Included
- Expert facilitators throughout
- All challenge materials
- Scoring and decision tracking
- Facilitated reflection session
Not included
- Venue hire
- Meals and refreshments
- Audio-visual equipment
- Transfers to and from the venue
- Bespoke printed materials
Frequently asked questions
How big can the group be?
From 10 to 500 guests, organised into smaller teams.
How long is the programme?
The programme typically lasts about 2 hours.
Could the game create tension within a team?
It is a game first and foremost, and the facilitated reflection keeps the focus on learning rather than blame.
Indoors or outdoors?
Either. It can be staged indoors, outdoors or across both, depending on your venue.
What is the purpose of the decision points?
They let players choose between self-interest and the common good, showing how choices affect trust and results.
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Request a quote for Shifting Alliances
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.