Stupid Games

Before I start, let’s define what a “Stupid Game” is. A Stupid Game is a team building activity used to teach business principles and ideas. In corporate training and development, the games are called “experiential education.” Wow, does that sound highfalutin and fancy.

Groups need to practice to successfully perform and execute tasks. The military gets it and calls it “boot camp.” Theater and dance groups get it and call it “rehearsal.” Sports teams get it and call it “practice.” Often, however, business groups do not get it and for the most part do not practice. Typically, business groups have low group performance. Do we see a correlation?

That is where Stupid Games come in. These games allow groups to examine their own behavior in order to discover how they can improve their performance. The notion is simple: a group solves problems during games the way it does back at the office. The major difference between these contexts is if the group does not perform well at work, there are consequences internally and with customers. If the group does not perform well at the Stupid Game, it is a big-time learning opportunity. There are no consequences for failing at the Stupid Game except learning, having fun, and perhaps even laughing.

For the past 20 years, I have used Stupid Games as a modality for teaching and training our clients. I do not like admitting this, but I am not good at these games, nor do I particularly like them. (I want to be truthful given our relationship. How is that for being vulnerable? Can I have a hug?) Stupid Games are invaluable.  Over the next couple weeks I will highlight how stupid games give groups a practice field where they can learn, plan, practice, develop skills, work together and improve performance.

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