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During Solo Simulations

Make the most of your solo training by using all available features and following effective strategies.

Solo Simulation Flow

A typical solo scenario follows this pattern:
1

Initial Briefing

Context and objectives (2-3 minutes)
2

Opening Situation

Crisis begins, initial information provided
3

Early Decisions

First few decisions to stabilize situation
4

Escalation

Crisis intensifies, more complex decisions
5

Turning Point

Critical decisions that significantly impact outcome
6

Resolution

Final decisions leading to crisis conclusion
7

Wrap-Up

See final outcome and immediate feedback

Effective Decision-Making

Analysis Framework

For each decision, follow this approach:
Comprehend the Situation
  • What just happened?
  • What’s the current status?
  • What needs to be decided?
  • Who are the stakeholders?

Decision-Making Tips

Don’t jump at the first reasonable choice. Read all options before deciding.
Rule out clearly poor choices to narrow options.
Who’s affected? Employees, customers, public, regulators?
Is this decision urgent? Can it wait for more information?
Safe choice vs. bold move - what’s appropriate given the situation?
Don’t guess if there’s a document that has the answer.

Using Resources Effectively

Document Library

Make the most of available resources:
1

Browse Early

Look at available documents at the start to know what’s there
2

Prioritize Reading

  • Emergency procedures first
  • Contact lists
  • Crisis plans
  • Background information
3

Search Strategically

Use search function with keywords from the decision
4

Extract Key Info

Don’t read entire documents - scan for relevant sections
5

Take Notes

Jot down important details for easy reference

Resource Types

Emergency Plans

Procedures and protocolsUse for: Knowing correct process

Contact Lists

Key stakeholders and rolesUse for: Who to communicate with

Data & Reports

Situation specificsUse for: Making data-driven decisions

Reference Materials

Background and contextUse for: Understanding complex situations
Documents referenced directly in event descriptions are usually the most relevant to upcoming decisions.

Maximizing AI Mentor Value

Strategic Mentor Use

Use mentor to:
  • Understand unfamiliar concepts
  • Get framework for analysis
  • Identify what information matters
  • Brainstorm considerations

Effective Mentor Questions

Instead of: “What should I do?” Try: “What factors are most important in evacuation decisions?” Instead of: “Is option A correct?” Try: “What are the trade-offs between options A and B?” Instead of: “I don’t know.” Try: “I’m torn between prioritizing safety vs. business continuity. How do I weigh these?”

AI Mentor Guide

Detailed guide to AI mentor interaction

Time and Pace Management

Self-Paced Benefits

Take advantage of solo training flexibility:
Pause for Research: Look up unfamiliar terms or concepts
Reflect Before Deciding: No time pressure means thoughtful choices
Break When Needed: Take 5-10 minute breaks if losing focus
Review Past Events: Scroll back through timeline anytime

When to Push Through

Balance flexibility with momentum:
  • Don’t overthink: If you’ve considered options thoroughly, decide
  • Avoid paralysis: Good decision now often beats perfect decision eventually
  • Stay engaged: Long breaks can lose scenario immersion
  • Time yourself optionally: Self-impose time limits for challenge

Note-Taking Strategies

What to Document

Critical Information
  • Casualty/damage numbers
  • Resource availability
  • Stakeholder concerns
  • Deadlines or time constraints

Note Tools

  • In-App Notes: Built-in feature (if available)
  • External Doc: Notepad, Evernote, etc.
  • Voice Notes: Record thoughts if you prefer speaking
  • Screenshots: Capture key events or decisions

Monitoring Your Progress

In-Simulation Metrics

Keep an eye on:
  • Crisis Status: Is situation improving or worsening?
  • Current Score: How are you performing?
  • Objectives: Have you met stated learning goals?
  • Resources Used: Are you accessing available information?

Self-Assessment Questions

Periodically ask yourself:
  • Am I understanding why events are occurring?
  • Are my decisions aligned with crisis management principles?
  • Am I using resources effectively?
  • What patterns am I noticing in my choices?

Handling Challenging Moments

When You’re Struggling

  • Re-read the scenario briefing
  • Review recent events
  • Check if resources provide guidance
  • Ask AI mentor for a framework
  • Pause and organize what you know
  • Prioritize: What’s most urgent/important?
  • Use notes to track key points
  • Focus on one decision at a time
  • Read feedback carefully to understand why
  • Don’t dwell - apply learning to next decision
  • Remember it’s practice, mistakes are okay
  • Consider retrying scenario later with new knowledge
  • Take a short break
  • Switch scenarios if this one isn’t resonating
  • Remind yourself of learning objectives
  • Try a different crisis type

Learning from Feedback

Immediate Feedback

After each decision:
1

Read the Feedback

Understand what happened due to your choice
2

Identify the Principle

What crisis management concept does this illustrate?
3

Note Alternative Outcomes

What would have happened with other options?
4

Apply Going Forward

How will this inform your next decisions?

Feedback Types

Positive Feedback:
  • What you did well
  • Why it was a good choice
  • Principle demonstrated
  • Reinforcement for future
Constructive Feedback:
  • What could be improved
  • Why other options were better
  • Information you might have missed
  • How to approach similar situations
Even “wrong” answers provide valuable learning. Often you learn more from mistakes than successes.

Completing the Scenario

Final Steps

1

Make Final Decision

Last choice in the scenario
2

See Conclusion

How the crisis ultimately resolves
3

Review Summary

Overall performance and highlights
4

Reflect

Take a moment to think about what you learned
5

Decide Next Action

Retry, new scenario, or finish for today

Before Leaving

Save any notes you took
Review overall feedback
Note one key learning to remember
Plan when you’ll practice next

Best Practices Summary

Immerse Yourself

Treat scenario as real for better learning

Use All Resources

Documents, AI mentor, notes

Think Critically

Don’t rush, analyze thoroughly

Learn from Feedback

Read and apply all feedback

Next Steps