Few things produce a collective groan – audible or otherwise –from an offsite group than the simple phrase, “We’re going to play a little game.” Many would opt for something as sinister as a performance review rather than be forced into having “fun” with coworkers. In their view, the so-called training games that many companies incorporate into offsite events are time-wasters that provide no learning whatsoever.
“The truth is the opposite,” says Kevin Dwyer, Director of Change Factory (ChangeFactory.com.au), an Australian consultancy that specializes in change management. “Adults learn better through experiential games as part of a coaching learning environment than through a presentation.”
Specialists who have studied the effectiveness of games in a corporate setting say they are good training tools that can be used at all levels of learning objectives. Quizzes, 20 questions and game show formats can transfer knowledge and test for comprehension.
Using games in a training event improves the learning process by creating an environment where people’s creativity and intelligence are engaged and addressing the different ways in which different people best learn; through movement, hearing and seeing.
More than a game
Games are effective business enhancers, says Gene Jones, a former radio and television personality who founded Triviation, a corporate training program that brings the look and feel of a TV gameshow to offsite events.
Jones says as far back as the 1990s he was firing up corporate groups by emceeing an hour-long trivia contest using a game show format at the beginning of offsite events. The idea was merely to get the group energized. Today, he says, there is a ton of science behind what he does, and the objectives are much more complex and measurable.
“Triviation transcends the typical procedures of motivational speakers, PowerPoint presentations and clichéd business training exercises by utilizing an innovative methodology designed to enhance organizational cultures through the pursuit and achievement of breakthrough thinking,” Jones
says on his website (triviation.com).
Multidimensional questions link seemingly unrelated facts and concepts. Improvised hints open new mental pathways and facilitate previously unforeseen connections. Inspirational quotes and anecdotes ignite passionate curiosity and steer participants toward desired company goals.
If that sounds like serious business, Jones says it’s because it is. But it’s up to each client how instructional the Triviation session is. He meets with organizers well before an event to discuss objectives, learn about the company and work on creating the questions. “Better questions lead to be better answers,” says the affable Jones.
Clients who wish to go beyond the standard Triviation Breakthrough program can sign him up for follow-up sessions on weighty topics such as brainstorming, memory training and the art of the presentation.
Dwyer explains that it’s a good idea to build in significant goals for game playing at offsites. “When games are used as an end in themselves and not a means toward an end, they waste time and can hamper learning. Using too many games can destroy learning effectiveness.”
For games to be effective, they must be related to the workplace by providing knowledge, reinforcing attitudes, and initiating action that is important to job success. They must also teach people how to think, access information, react, understand, and create value for themselves and their organizations.
Dwyer recommends using them in conjunction with other learning methodologies, such as presentations and discussions. Games used at the beginning of a program – as Jones most often structures it – can measure existing knowledge, providing a basis for future measurement and can build immediate interest in the training material. Games used near the end of a program can test knowledge gained and people’s ability to apply it in their work environment.
“Games used during a training program can help people discover the learning themselves, which strengthens recall and commitment, practice using new knowledge or skills, or reinforce initial learning,” Dwyer adds.
Gene Jones, a former game show host and television personality, founded Triviation in order to bring the benefits of playing games to corporate events.
