How tabletop can help you prepare for a crisis?

08.06.2020

Written by: Thomas Uihlein

Tabletop methodology was first developed as a teaching strategy by the military. Its main purpose was to provide unit leaders with an overview of the course of the battle and the terrain where the battle was expected to take place. A miniature model of the battlefield was built in a sandpit, in order for the participants to obtain a better overview of the whole situation during the entire duration of the exercise. After clarification of the direction of north in comparison with the map, the positions of the participants’ own units, as well as of those of the opponent, were portrayed. The battle order and the planned course were then communicated to the unit leaders’ step by step. The sandpit was used to simulate the real situation over time. Apart from training, this procedure was also used for the analysis of real battles. The main objective was to learn from both negative and positive experiences, and use the results for better performance in the future. Over the past few decades the methodology has been successfully used in all military schools and organizations.

Later, the tabletop method was used not only for developing tactics, but also the decision-making process. After the staff unit had been defined, and had gathered and reported readiness, the battle course was simulated as realistically as possible, following the prearranged scenario. Besides the participants, an assessment team was present during the exercise. The team had the same information as the participants. In addition, a predefined preferred battle course was communicated towards them Based on this information, the team members could assess the decisions and actions of the participants and consequently the success of the training (education) or exercise (testing). The aim of the latter was to optimize the preparation of all military actions and identify any lack of individual organizational knowledge, which enabled the preparation of a better educational plan for all the individuals involved.

It is not surprising that after several years this methodology found its way into civilian use and with time also into aviation. Today, tabletop is mostly used as an exercise method, although it is an all-rounder! Tabletop is a tool that can be used in many ways in basic, drill and management training. Each participant has an assigned function based on an imagined or actual scenario. After initial training, a drill-like practice should follow, based on various crisis situations as defined by different standards and recommendations (in the case of aviation, ICAO and EASA).

The advantage of this method is that mistakes do not result in injured personnel and/or damage to property. An undesired outcome is avoided, but the educational goal is achieved. Therefore, this methodology is particularly suitable for crisis management training. The leaders can test themselves in various functions and roles. This type of training also helps to develop management processes across different hierarchical levels.

Do you have any additional questions? We would be happy to show you how to plan, apply and use tabletop for training and development purposes.