Human Resources and Business Simulations- 5 Tips to Getting Started

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Traditionally, Business Simulations have either been managed by Training and Development Managers and/or Business Managers. This is changing. Why is it changing? Because it seems as though Human Resource Business Managers (Divisional HR Managers) are staying in the fold (in the project) while the business simulation is being developed and being delivered. Thus, it has become more of the norm that Human Resource Managers work the entire business simulation process. Thus, here are some tips for using business simulations within Human Resources:

5 Tips For Human Resource Managers and Business Simulations

Tip 1: Brush Up! On your business acumen- Business Simulations that are used for strategic initiatives usually have a strong business component to them. Even though you know your business well, it will be very beneficial if you have a strong sense of business fundamentals. You will find it helpful if you dust off your business finance/marketing 101 book or something equivalent. You don't need to completely submerge yourself. Just a general refresher will go a long way.

Tip 2: Partner Up! Find someone in Training and Development- Business Simulations are most effective when they have a very well rooted training component to them. Get some assistance from the professionals on this. Training and Development knows learning fundamentals. Not only will this help create a better program, you will also be a good corporate citizen as well.

Tip 3: Search Well- Find someone you work well with for development- Whether you are staying internal or going external, find a business simulation developer you trust and work well with. How do you do this? Ask around and listen to your instincts. You will feel one level of comfort or another depending on who you're talking to. If you are staying internal, you may not have a choice who you work with. If this is the case, take the time to listen and ensure you are heard. No matter the case, you are one of the chief architects of this program. Make certain you aren't bullied! This is good advice for internal or external providers.

Tip 3: Size Small- You will feel pressure to build a big business simulation. This is especially true from the developer (both internal and external). Resist this urge. Stay on the smaller side. A 1/2 day business simulation goes a very long way. Don't cave to the pressure of a 2+ day simulation. 1-2 Days is a long time. Business managers tend to also want to go big. Try to stay at a day or less.

Tip 4: Take Time- Give yourself some time! You'll feel pressure to get all this done overnight. Business Simulations and Serious Games are very complex. Spend extra time in the planning and interviewing stage. This will pay dividends later! Don't rush in.

Tip 5: Read Up! There are helpful books and resources out there on business simulations and serious games. Just do a search on Amazon under 'Business Simulations and Serious Games'. You'll find a few resources. Don't buy the textbook size, they'll just overcomplicate things!

Hope this helps. Look through this resource further down and you'll find other tips that certainly apply to Human Resource Managers as well. Enjoy!