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How to embed good project management practice using play
I recently wrote an article, Serious Fun, which highlights the enjoyment and effectiveness of running simulations. This innovative method of knowledge sharing reaches parts of the brain that traditional training methods just can’t access. Moreover, it enables the participants to practice real and relevant skills essential for their daily work as project managers.
Purpose-driven simulations
This doesn’t happen by accident. The simulations designed by Elemental Projects are specifically tailored to incorporate the fundamentals of project management. Let’s explore how this has been achieved and the impressive results that follow…
Built to test project management capability
At the simplest level, each of our simulations has been built from the ground up, with the sole purpose of testing the project management capability of the participants.
Projects can generally (if somewhat simplistically) be defined as unique undertakings with a clear purpose and temporary timeframe – which is exactly the same as the remit of a simulation. It is run over several hours and is intended to enable people to apply project management skills.
Therefore, we operate within the same boundaries, allowing us to simulate similar situations and emotions that we would encounter in a real project, albeit in a more compressed timeframe.
Additionally, the limited duration of the simulations means that the looming threat of a deadline is ever-present. This creates an unavoidable stress that closely mirrors the pressures of our working lives.
The very premise of the simulation already draws strong parallels with projects, before the content has even been created.
Crafting engaging and creative simulations
The story behind each simulation is where the real magic happens – setting the context for the simulation must enable engagement, creativity and freedom from the restraints that so often shackle us at work.
That’s why we use a liberal sprinkling of popular culture references to give the simulations a fantastical feel and to draw us into an alternate universe - where we can all be project heroes!
Each simulation has its own distinct flavour, focusing on a single aspect of project management:
Change Management, Soft Projects, and Complexity: Take a look at our Game of Moans simulation.
Agile working: Check out the Le Brouhaha simulation.
Waterfall methodology: Watch Menken Madness!
Program Management and Stakeholder Management: Dive into The Battle simulation.
We don’t try to cram too much into each one, as we understand the impact of overexposure to new concepts.
Experiencing team dynamics
As people work their way through the simulation, regardless of which one they are doing, they will be exposed to forming, storming and norming of teams (as per Tuckman, 1965).
They will need to develop their brief to establish the project, complete the planning, and execute it, just as you would expect in the workplace. Then - spoiler alert! - we hit all the teams with unexpected events that force them to alter their best-made plans and think on their feet.
It doesn’t get much more real than that, and we’ve all encountered those types of problems. However, in the simulation, it’s absolutely okay to fail, and there are no repercussions for doing so.
Failure is a fabulous way to learn. When you can do so without upsetting your manager, client or key stakeholder, you still remember what went wrong and how you could approach it differently in future, without any of the fallout.
Simulations as mini projects
The intent of our simulations is to function just like a mini project. This means you will encounter risks, issues and constraints that test your capabilities and push you outside your comfort zone.
Afterwards, you can reflect upon what happened with a facilitated debrief, emphasising the learnings and celebrating the glorious failures just as much as the noble victories.
Building confidence and problem-solving skills
At the end of the simulation, everyone involved should be more confident in their abilities and their willingness to try new and novel approaches to solving problems. The freedom afforded by the simulation is intended to release people from the constraints they operate within at the same time as sharpening their project management skills.
It has been proposed that the most progress often comes at the verge of chaos – that sweet spot where experimentation drifts past knowledge. It has also been said that if you’re not living life on the edge, you’re taking up too much room.
Let us take you to the balcony of your comfort zone and show you what the project landscape looks like beyond it, all within the safe space of a simulation.
If you’re ready to expand your team’s project management skills in a fun and dynamic simulation environment, contact us to find out more.
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