FIND THE SEQUENCE© is a ready-to-run exercise that challenges teams to place a series of picture cards in the correct order. There is just one rule: participants are not allowed to show their cards. They may only describe what they see.
What starts as a simple task quickly reveals how easily assumptions are made, how small details are overlooked, and how confident decisions can be taken without all the information being shared. Because every card is equally important, the exercise naturally highlights the need for clear communication, active listening, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to speak up.
+ Main topic: Effective communication and active listening
+ Related topics: Cooperation; team synergy; leadership; and individual and team responsibilities
+ Training length: 40 – 60 minutes (including debrief)
+ Included: 21 sequential picture cards, complete trainer handbook
+ Number of participants: 4 – 21 participants per set
+ Shipping: We ship your products within 5 working days.
Ready to run
High-impact exercise
Suitable for virtual & classroom use
FIND THE SEQUENCE© fits naturally into your CRM and Human Factors programme. It requires no redesign of your training structure and can be used across job functions – from flight crew and cabin crew to engineers, office staff, and management teams. Participants must rely entirely on verbal communication to solve the task, which quickly highlights how information is shared, interpreted, and sometimes misunderstood. As the discussion unfolds, teamwork becomes essential.
Some participants step forward, others hold back, and patterns of leadership and decision-making emerge naturally. The result is a dynamic learning experience that makes communication, collaboration, and shared responsibility tangible.
Format
Trainer handbook delivered as instant-access PDF and physical paperback. Picture cards included as printable digital files and as a complete physical set shipped to you.
Group size
Suitable for 4–21 participants. Each participant receives one or more picture cards.
Materials
Complete set of 21 high-quality cards. Comprehensive trainer handbook with step-by-step facilitation instructions and structured debrief guidance.
HOW IT WORKS
In FIND THE SEQUENCE© each participant receives one or more picture cards, and the group must arrange all 21 cards in the correct order. All information must only be communicated verbally.
Because cards cannot be moved once placed, the group must agree before committing. As a trainer, this creates a natural opportunity to observe how decisions are made, how information is shared, and how leadership unfolds under pressure. The exercise is easy to facilitate and requires minimal preparation.
WHERE IT FITS
This exercise integrates smoothly into your existing CRM and Human Factors programmes. You can use it to introduce or reinforce topics such as communication, decision-making, leadership, cooperation, and shared mental models.
You can easily use it with mixed groups without adjusting your overall course design.
LEARNING OUTCOME
FIND THE SEQUENCE© helps you address key challenges in communication and teamwork. The exercise makes it clear how small details can make a big difference when working toward a shared goal. It highlights why giving everyone the opportunity to speak up matters, and how easily important information can be lost when certain voices dominate the discussion.
The trainer handbook supports you with clear debrief questions, observation tips, and practical guidance.
We have gathered the most frequently asked questions from our customers to help you in the best way possible
The exercise supports learning objectives related to communication, active listening, shared mental models, leadership, and team dynamics. It helps trainers make these topics visible and practical rather than theoretical.
FIND THE SEQUENCE© can be used at the beginning of a course to create engagement and surface behavioural patterns, or later in a programme to reinforce topics such as communication, assumptions, and teamwork. It integrates easily into existing CRM and Human Factors training without redesigning your course structure.
Yes. The exercise is fully developed and ready to use. The trainer handbook provides step-by-step facilitation guidance, clear rules, and structured debrief suggestions. You also receive all 21 picture cards in a high-quality physical format – everything you need to start running the exercise immediately.
Yes. The trainer handbook contains structured debrief questions, observation guidance, and practical suggestions to help you turn the exercise into meaningful learning.
The exercise works with 4 to 21 participants per set. Variations are included for both smaller and larger groups.
FIND THE SEQUENCE© is designed for CRM and Human Factors training but is not limited to aviation. It can be used across industries where communication, teamwork, and decision-making are critical.
