When you hear the term “business simulation," what comes to mind? Images of MBA case studies, computer-based games, maybe even memories of prior simulation experiences? You may be surprised to find that business simulations can be far more effective for your organization than you thought. Breaking down the common simulation misconceptions shows how valuable they can be for your organization.
- Simulations focus either on “soft” behavior or “hard” business skills, but not both.
- Simulations and gamification are one and the same.
- If you’ve seen one business simulation, you’ve seen them all.
- Communication is not addressed in business simulations.
- There is one right answer in any given simulation.
If any one of the above struck you as true, welcome to the club. These beliefs are actually rooted in a fundamental misunderstanding of what a simulation is.
A well-designed simulation marries the content (what is taught) to the methodology (the simulation) so seamlessly that it’s hard to discern one from the other. As a methodology, simulations are unlimited. Some simulation experiences intentionally limit their focus to developing very specific skills. However, a whole-system business simulation that is well balanced offers a more robust and relevant experience than these misconceptions would allow.
Truths About Business Simulations
1. Misconception: Simulations Focus Either on “Soft” Behavior or “Hard” Business Skills, but Not Both.
Truth: Great business simulations can incorporate both behavioral and business skills as critical learning components
People are rarely able to focus on only one issue (such as communication) without other concerns (such as financial performance) influencing their behavior. Balanced simulations account for the interplay of demands, frustrations and pressures on participants’ abilities to make and execute important business decisions. Blending hard and soft skill development enhances simulation learning, making lessons more personal and immediately applicable.
2. Misconception: Simulations and Gamification Are One and the Same.
Truth: Simulations are better suited to integrating complex skills than gamification
Gamification and simulations are both methodologies, but differ in what and how they teach. Gamification is well-suited to simple skill acquisition, limited time investments and using competition and rewards to incentivize players to practice a specific action. “Gamification is helpful for scenarios where leaders have to continually update workforce knowledge… on safety policies, product specifications, customer service… and other information employees need to be reminded of regularly.”1
Simulations promote far more complex behaviors by creating an experiential learning environment similar to participants’ professional world and applying strategic pressures. This allows them to see causality and business results from a distance many may not achieve in their own work settings.
The element of competition, common to both gamification and simulations, makes these experiences fun and engaging. Yet the “winning” in a simulation, unlike in a game, is in more than being victorious: it is in learning lessons that will inform everyday decision making by seeing results.
3. Misconception: If You’ve Seen One Business Simulation, You’ve Seen Them All.
Truth: Each simulation is a unique and dynamic experience
There is a common assumption that if people have previously completed a simulation, they will not benefit from another. Just as one’s learning needs are dynamic, so too are simulation experiences. Variations to simulation format and content are unlimited.
Expert facilitators connect business decisions made in the program with results, creating poignant experiences even for practiced participants. Skilled facilitators lead participants in meaningful reflection of decisions and learning points. This reflection can lead to "ah ha" moments that become the catalyst for behavioral change.
4. Misconception: Communication is Not Addressed in Business Simulations.
Truth: Communication should be regarded as a driver, rather than a byproduct, of business simulation results
Simulations have long been regarded as compelling platforms for collaboration and communication within teams. An impactful simulation will further highlight and enhance these skills by explicitly practicing communication (e.g., roleplaying challenging conversations, composing company-wide messages, etc.) so that business leaders are better prepared in their actual work settings.
How business leaders communicate with their employees affects performance, engagement, talent retention and ultimately the bottom line. In compelling business simulations, decisions about strategic communication techniques and delivery play a significant role in the program and its final results.
5. Misconception: There is One Right Answer in Any Given Simulation.
Truth: There are multiple “right answers” in business simulations
Simulations are intrinsically built to promote best practice behaviors, yet this does not mean narrowing the training to one acceptable path to success. In the business world, there is no such thing as a single “right” answer. A good business simulation will teach participants that there are often multiple right answers to the demands they face and how to evaluate their differences.
Simulations teach this by creating a “learning lab” environment in which individuals can think creatively and take risks without jeopardizing their company’s financial performance. An experience that relies on only one right answer misses this critical opportunity.
Many of the misconceptions listed above have led companies to overlook the value of simulations as a training tool. The common thread running through each of these assumptions is the idea that simulations are limited in some way. In reality, well-designed business simulations cultivate long-term impact while meeting leadership development objectives.
1 KARL KAPP's GAMIFICATION: Separating Fact From Fiction. Chief Learning Officer. March 2014.