Denmark: Eli Hyman (Learning on excursions)

When it comes to disaster management leadership, one might not immediately think of an escape room as a classroom, but my recent escape from The Killing Floor at Mystery Makers proved that puzzles like these are exceedingly relevant to this topic and can teach valuable skills in teaming.

Our class ventured into an escape room with a chilling twist: a “serial killer” threatened us with a one-hour countdown to our potential demise. We were split into two teams and placed in separate rooms, but after a hidden bookshelf gave way to a shared door, we discovered that our fates were intertwined. Our escape hinged on teamwork, clear communication, and resourcefulness.

As the clock began to tick, the urgency of the situation became palpable. The escape room’s puzzles and challenges mirrored the chaos that disaster management leaders often face during crises. We had to decipher codes, find hidden clues, and unlock doors—all while racing against time. This experience made us acutely aware of the critical need for quick decision-making and efficient problem-solving in high-pressure scenarios.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this adventure was the need for teamwork. Within our individual rooms, collaboration was essential, but it didn’t stop there. Communication between the two teams was equally vital. We found ourselves sharing crucial information through cleverly designed inter-room connections, reinforcing the importance of effective coordination during complex operations.

As we finally outsmarted the serial killer and escaped, the connection between this thrilling experience and the principles of disaster management leadership became crystal clear. Just like in the escape room, leadership during crises demands swift and decisive actions, seamless teamwork, and the ability to communicate and adapt under duress.

In conclusion, our escape room excursion, with its life-or-death scenario, provided a vivid and practical lesson in disaster management leadership. It underscored the significance of effective teamwork, rapid decision-making, and clear communication—skills that are indispensable when leading and coordinating responses to disasters and emergencies. Sometimes, unexpected places can teach us the most valuable lessons.