Using computer and other games to increase your product management skills
The militaries of several countries use computer games and simulations to both educate and train soldiers and officers in tasks and thought processes related to their missions and specializations.
This technique is moving (slowly) into the business world as well, and one of the places where it’s making the greatest inroads is in the realm of executive training.
From the viewpoint of training new managers in your own company, computer games and board games can be used to huge effect, though, there are some downfalls. First, make certain that you’re conscious of what goal you’re aiming for - schooling or guidance? Educational games center on one nested set of decisions and lean to remain quite abstract.
A high-quality didactic game - focused on project management training for instance - should permit the players to explore the decision space reflected by that kind of game.
A training simulation is intended to determine how well a student is getting familiar and re-enacting knowledge and training techniques.
While a first person shooting game, like Doom or Counter Strike is no replacement for rifle training for a soldier, it’s an outstanding tool to assess if soldiers have learned about movement, communications, and coordinated actions in a hostile situation, as the same things that will keep you alive in the field will keep you alive in the game - moving from cover to concealment, mobilized over watch, and similar concepts.
Schooling isn’t just regurgitation of principles and training, it’s acquainting of the decision creation processes.
For exedcutives (and officers in the armed forces) there needs to be an emphasis on teaching as well as training.
A first-rate officer should be familiar with the decision making process of the layer of management that informs to him, and for two levels above him.
The equivalent applies to a executive in most companies.
Furthermore, an executive (or manager) ought to be able to evaluate challenges to his line of actions, be aware of assets accessible to him, and with initiative, be able to organize those assets without compromising the plans of those higher than him.
When taking lessons from computer games, center on the decision making loops, and focus on concepts.
When trying to turn computer games into structured schooling for your employees, keep in mind that games are intended to be enjoyable.
Games that aren’t fun tend to get negative criticism from the players, and the lessons imparted by them don’t stick.
Focus on how the core concepts of the game will help your new executives work in your organization, but let them enjoy in what they’re doing - people learn more, and take in the lessons better, when they’re having enjoyment.
So, the first time you’re trapped playing a computer game in the workplace, maybe you can justify it as certified development.
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- Steven L. Jacobs
