SIMULATIONS: SLOWLY PROVING THEIR WORTH

With the emergence of simulation as a preferred tool to train employees to learn tactical or even intangible skills, there remain some holdouts who shudder at the cost of the design and development of simulations or blanch at the thought of allowing employees to play “games” at the office.

For many institutions, particularly the United States military and the medical field, simulations are standard methods of training. For more conservative employers, leaders still must overcome their resistance to the concept. T+D asked three simulation experts to weigh in on the progress of simulations and their rate of adoption in the workplace.

“Unfortunately most employers still fail to see the value of simulations,” says Brad Sugars, founder of ActionCOACH. “It’s not difficult to understand why. Simulations frequently take more time than conventional training, and they usually don’t seem to be directly related to the learning task at hand. If you’re using a high-rope exercise to teach people to take risks, for example, it’s a challenge for many people to see how that can contribute to increased sales, better ideas, and more effective employees.”