So, You Think Project Management is a Game, Do You?

Gamification is the idea of using game-like elements to encourage engagement and motivate people to take certain actions. It may feel like a relatively new term, but gamification can be traced back to the 70s and 80s, when game designers began applying their skills in non-game contexts, such as education and training. For example, did you know that the introduction of American Airlines’ frequent flyer program way back in 1981 was one of the first examples of gamification? 

But, can gamification be applied to project management? Unequivocally, yes!  

The PMO Squad offers a unique half-day Team Building Workshop which uses the PMZone board game to simulate real-world project management situations. Developed by project management professionals, the game provides the knowledge and tools required by both experienced and occasional project managers. Whether a project has just landed on your desk, or managing projects is your full-time job, the Workshop will offer practical tools to help you master project management.  Classroom and online training is typically restricted to a specific topic limiting comprehensive training for your team, while the Workshop is built for teams to engage and learn together just as they work together within your organization. 

Why Does Gamification Work? 

There are several reasons why we all like to play games. They’re fun, competitive, engaging, and help us to get to know others better. The PMO Squad’s Team Building Workshop is no different. Consider the following principles of gamification and how the Workshop meets each of these: 

• Clear Goals and Objectives – The Workshop allows you and your team to practice the basic concepts and main challenges of project management​, acquire and improve project management skills​, and use the language of professional project management all in a fun, engaging learning environment. Plus, you’ll develop goal-oriented thinking​, demonstrate game insights into real-life dilemmas​, and develop a greater appreciation for the project manager’s role​. 
• Challenges and Rewards - In-game challenges provide you the opportunity to develop new perspectives and improve your decision-making skills, which helps you tackle real-life projects.  The Workshop offers an opportunity for team building to overcome challenges which transfers to post Workshop team dynamics.  This is practical and interactive training at its finest compared to many instructor lead training courses. 
• Social Interaction – During the Workshop, group discussions take place. All players home in on the main issues that arose during the game and relate those to the everyday challenges associated with managing a project. This is a great way for team members to get to know each other better and lay a good foundation for working with each other on future projects.  It also opens the door for teams to address difficult topics in a non-confrontational and fun environment. 

Project Managers Love it! 

What do others have to say about the game and Workshop? 

“A board game is a great method to capture complex environment for learning purposes through an enjoyable, hands-on experience. The physical aspect of the game–the board, cards, playing pieces, money, etc.--creates a feeling that is hard to capture in any other media.” 

PMO Joe (Founder, The PMO Squad) 

“Indeed a smart simulation board game designed to understand project management in a fun way. My students learned so much in a short time!” 

Ori Orhof (PhD, PMP) 

“After doing the workshop I found my team was much more motivated. They started planning in much more detail and managing the projects more closely - and as such, with better results.” 

Gil Sharabi, VP product & Business Development, Verified Planet Ltd. 

If you’re tired of the same old boring project management training, give Team Building Workshop a try. You may not be able to rack up as many miles as a frequent flyer program, but you’ll definitely collect more smiles!