Problems in game simulations

Part 34 in the series " revisited”

From a syllabus from the 90s: "individual or relational problems can be part of the game or the debriefing: the game leader must be attentive to this.”

Thirty years later, it is still current.

1. 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻

Fear: especially fear of performance or fear of assessment. Cultural differences play a major role (Hofstede). "Are you telling me to contradict my boss?”

Frustration: mixture of anger and powerlessness, when players feel limited or not heard. Example: a player points out unnecessary work, but the group continues until it is too late.

Stress: due to time pressure, unclear roles or an unsafe climate. Express themselves in hasty decisions, turmoil or shutting down.

Confusion: due to complex roles, conflicting information, information overload or unfamiliarity with the subject. "I want to, but I don't know what to do.”

Shame: self-disappointment or the feeling of being’ stupid'. Leads to withdrawal, apology or overcompensation.

Powerlessness: "whatever I do, it doesn't matter.”

Perfectionism: the urge to’ do it right ' in a setting that is precisely intended for experimentation. "Then what is the correct answer?”

2. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗻

Conflicts: power struggle, dominance or sabotage. Roles are taken personally. "Let me finish!”

Miscommunication: who really listens? Examples: talking to each other, reacting irritably. "I just said that.”

Peer pressure: going with the majority, even when in doubt. “I don't want to be the only one who is struggling.”

Exclusion: conscious or subtle. "You are from the mail room, what do you know about this?”

Interference: taking over or correcting work without alignment. "Let me do that.”

Game simulations put a magnifying glass on interaction and emotions: they emerge faster and sharper than in reality. A consultant once said: "Normally I hear what people say. In the simulation I see what they really do. This provides starting points for a good conversation.”

Do you recognize this? What problems do you see especially popping up in game simulations?