Management Games - part 2
The games used for management training as discussed on the first part of this article, are games that are commonly sold in regular toys and games shops. However, using them as a specific tool for developing employee and management skills does not focus on the regular games rules or principles of better play. Instead, the focus is on the transference of concepts and processes which may be seen in the game to the frame of reference of the participants' work experience. These management games have so far always proved to be highly effective and a really great way to get people involved. It is fine for people to do individual activities, such as listening to music or playing Partypoker (www.partypoker.com) but when it comes to management training playing games with others is really beneficial for development. At first people may, understandably, be a little sceptical about management games, however once they see the results, they will wonder why they have never tried it before.
Example Games for Management Skills Workshops
In order to demonstrate the wealth of possibilities in managerial training through games, here is a short review of 5 easy to learn board games that may be used in such workshops. Each game review includes a list of subjects that may be learned through it, as well as some useful links.
- Quoridor (2-4 players):
Relevant subjects:- Planning & Resource Management
- Personal & Group Decision-Making
- Strategy under Constant Change
- Effective Team Communication
Training Tip: The game starts in a very open strategic setting with unlimited options. After about 8-12 moves, the weight of calculation and careful planning becomes much more dominant. You may compare this to real-life situations that require a manager to set the strategic direction, as compared to those that call for a more careful tactical approach.
Click to buy Quoridor Board Gameon Amazon
- Abalone (2 players):
Relevant subjects:- Teamwork & cooperation
- Setting & following strategic directions
- Resource allocation
- Tactics & creative action
Training Tip: I find this game to be an extremely versatile learning tool. I have planned and facilitated numerous different workshops each using it in very different ways. When I wanted participants to work on creativity, for instance, I let them play for a while, and then asked them to invent new rules and new uses for the game.
Click to buy Abaloneon Amazon
- Rush Hour (1 or more players):
Relevant subjects:- Common problem-solving patterns
- Dynamics of group problem-solving
- Work under pressure
- Effective learning from success and failure
Training Tip: The best way to use this game for training is to let small teams (2-4 people) tackle the challenges of the game together. Each member should be given a specific role in the team - two might try and solve the problems, while another should give them feedback after several challenges. Yet another could be in charge of helping the team learn and perform better on later challenges.
Click to buy Rush Houron Amazon
Conclusions & Insights
The numerous board games workshops that I conducted have taught me several important lessons. The insights that I have learned are summarized below:
- Games are indeed a colorful and attractive learning aid in themselves, but the major benefits of these workshops is dependant on the structure of the interpersonal dynamics during the workshop. A skilled trainer can stress a variety of subjects and use several learning approaches even when using the same game. The lesson plan must. of course, be in line with the learning goals of the session. Thus, a workshop meant to improve teamwork, might focus on tasks demanding fluent communication and exchange of ideas. Alternatively, a session focused on decision-making under pressure might incorporate more elements of competition and tasks with time limits.
- Workshops based on games are especially appropriate for holistic learning. They call for a combination of cognitive skill (such as planning or decision-making), inter-personal skills (handling conflict or effective communication), and the development of self-awareness (emotional control and initiative). Certainly, one may find it hard to address all of these aspects during one training session, but the holistic character of the experience is much like complex and multi-faceted real-life situations.
- The intensity of emotional involvement in such workshops strongly support the participants' will to learn and change. This insight guides me in other workshops as well - even if they don't include board games. I always try to create an experience of involving action and play.
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