Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Leadership Development Simulations - Getting Started

Hello World!

Leadership development simulations can be very complicated. Keep in mind, you're combining behavior with business with analytics with gaming. Not an easy combination. Not to mention the fact that chances are, you are thinking it has to be computer based (it doesn't). This adds yet another level of complexity. But let's take a moment to break things down into pieces a little bit and take a look at the best way to get started. Here we go…

Guide To Leadership Development Simulations



Start Here- Before you get drawn into the sizzle of the technology, look at your leadership development objectives. Only you and your company know this, but traditionally, it starts with some sort of leadership model (often call leadership competency model). Whatever you do, don't put the business simulation before the content. The content is the most important aspect of leadership development. Put the content first. You might create this content on your own or you might hire an outside firm. This is up to you, but you need to start here: Great leadership development content!

Look At Your Leadership Development Learning Objectives- You are going to be tempted to teach everybody everything. Resist the temptation! Start small and build your program. The best way to do this is to look at the top 3 most important learning objectives. This is your finish line. Clearly define what it is you want your leaders to learn. If content is your foundation, your learning objectives is your finished product. Take a hard and clear look at your learning objectives to ensure they are clearly defined.

Start Small and Build Up- When it comes to leadership development simulations, you are going to get drawn into the sizzle. This is especially true if outside providers are dangling a golden carrot in front of you. Just say no! Calm down, look at your learning objectives, and start with a small and easy to manage leadership development simulation. Honestly, size is detrimental (in most cases). The bigger they are, the a) more expensive they are, b) harder they are to manage, and c) faster you'll lose control and fall apart. There is no need to boil the ocean from the beginning. Just start small and build up.

Ensure Alignment- This aligns with Start Small. Make certain your leadership development simulation is aligning with your learning objectives and nothing more. Leadership Development Simulations can get out of scope very quickly Make certain it is focused on the learning objectives, doesn't boil the ocean, and is manageable by you. If you have alignment, everything else will be fine.

This is just part 1 of a series and more posts will be updated this week. Hope these help.

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