Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
Read a crisis, make a plan, agree as a group
The GTO presents a map and a story with several simultaneous problems. You read it, write your own plan, then the group discusses and produces a common plan, and someone narrates it. It tests how you prioritise under pressure and whether you can plan with others.
Scan the problem — resources, time, priorities
First identify every problem in the story, what resources you have (people, vehicles, time), and the distances on the map. Then rank the problems: life and safety first, then property, then convenience.
The single most common failure is trying to solve everything at once. Prioritise ruthlessly, and say why.
Make a clear, time-bound plan
- Split resources sensibly across the top-priority problems.
- Give each group a task, a route, and a rough time.
- Say what you'll do first, second, third — and why.
In the group phase, contribute and converge
Offer your plan clearly, listen to better ideas, and help the group reach one agreed plan rather than defending your own to the end. Volunteering to narrate the group's plan calmly is a strong, low-risk way to show leadership.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ✗Trying to address every problem instead of prioritising by life-safety.
- ✗Ignoring the resources/time given and planning the impossible.
- ✗Clinging to your own plan in the group phase.
- ✗A vague plan with no order, routes, or timings.
Now practise it — free
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