What Are Simulations?

A simulation experience might start with an imaginary trip to a faraway, exotic place such as the Australian outback or the Caribbean islands. But it isn't long before the adventure goes wrong and teams are faced with a life-and-death situation, forcing them to work together as teams to survive with only limited resources and each other. In simulations like this, teams can learn how to overcome common stumbling blocks within the safety of the classroom. The success of the team in the simulation reflects the success of the team in the workplace.

Adventure Simulations

Adventure simulations area fun way for participants to learn about and experience team decision making and team synergy, which are important concepts to effective team functioning. Each Team Adventure product from HRDQ is a simulation that requires participants to work in teams to make "survival" decisions. The purpose is to show that reaching consensus and achieving team synergy results in a more successful outcome than when participants make decisions on their own. These training simulation exercises reflect both real-life potential occurrences and fantasy situations—anything from being stranded on a riverbank to being attacked by zombies. In the latter category, participants can focus on the process of making a decision more than the details of the situation itself. Because the scenario is fictional, participants are less likely to have preconceived notions or biases about the situation. This encourages them to concentrate on using their problem-solving skills to reach a solution together.

Benefits of Simulations

Simulations are one of the most beneficial types of learning formats.

Benefits include:

• They allow a team to practice team decision making under pressure
• They provide an opportunity for a team to practice interpersonal skills, such as active listening, questioning, and confronting behaviors, in a realistic setting
• They illustrate the concept of team synergy
• They provide a new team with a nonthreatening opportunity to work together

Try one of HRDQ's simulations and see how they can work for your organization.