That is why we have developed our own crisis simulator, which allows you to step directly into realistic crises and leadership dilemmas—in a closed training environment with no real-world consequences.
The simulator is built on many years of experience with critical and acute situations and gives participants an almost 1:1 insight into the dilemmas and decisions a crisis demands. Along the way, participants are confronted with eager journalists, social media shitstorms, urgent calls from key stakeholders and live TV, so they experience the intensity and complexity of a crisis up close.
The crisis simulation gives everyone the opportunity to test themselves in a crisis, but is particularly relevant for teams, leadership groups or VL networks that want to test their ability to navigate a crisis, make important decisions and collaborate effectively under pressure.
Duration and format
The crisis simulation training typically lasts three hours and can be held either in person or online. The training is led by an experienced crisis adviser and a backend team consisting of people who act as journalists and other stakeholders along the way, as well as a game master who controls the flow of the game.
The training begins with a brief introduction to crisis communication, where participants are taken through the rules and purpose of the training. Participants then begin the simulation itself. Halfway through there is a short break, and the training concludes with a debrief, including evaluation and time for questions.
Teams and roles
Depending on the number of participants, you are typically divided into teams so that everyone has an active role during the simulation. Each team constitutes an appointed crisis management group that steers a fictional organisation through the crisis.
Choose between generic scenarios or have your own tailored
We can simulate all types of crises and dilemmas—from workplace accidents and MeToo cases to money-laundering scandals or cyberattacks. We offer both generic scenarios and the option of a tailored scenario, so it fits your organisation and current challenges precisely, or scenarios that could arise in the future and that you want to be prepared for.
Crisis Communication – From Theory to Action
When the pressure is on and the phones are ringing, it’s not just about knowing what to do – it’s about actually doing it. The crisis simulation gives you a keen sense of how quickly a situation can escalate and how decisions – or lack thereof – can have decisive consequences.
Internal communication—create clarity in turbulence
When the world is falling apart outside, internal communication is often the first thing to slip. But employees need clarity and reassurance as uncertainty grows. You will be trained to communicate precisely, timely and effectively internally—without overinforming or creating unnecessary panic.
Overview—the art of keeping a cool head
When information comes flooding in and the pressure rises, the ability to create an overview is crucial. You will be overwhelmed by information, enquiries and unexpected twists. Here you learn to separate what matters from the noise, prioritise and make quick decisions—all under realistic pressure.
Collaboration—who takes the lead when things heat up?
In a crisis, roles and dynamics become clear. In the game, you are thrown into a shared scenario where overview, trust and the ability to collaborate are essential. Who pulls the threads together? Who makes the decisions? And how do you function as a team when the pressure is at its maximum? The crisis simulation strengthens both your strategic collaboration and your understanding of your own and others’ leadership roles.
External communication—when the outside world expects answers
What do you say—and what do you not say—when journalists call and shitstorms rage on social media? You will be trained to communicate calmly and precisely externally, ensure consistent messaging, handle journalists and navigate a potential shitstorm. You will experience how the wrong wording can have major consequences, and how important it is to have a clear strategy.
