Communication Derailed Game

 

and Chris Bayley Giblin

New systems, organizational changes and productivity demands are realities in today’s workplace and to effectively meet these challenges, positive communication is a must. Communication Derailed is a powerful, fast-paced simulation game that will help you to proactively equip your people with the skills they need to become good communicators. This hands-on activity tackles three typical communication challenges: communication within a team, between teams and during organizational stress. Three comprehensive, self-contained modules provide the necessary framework to conduct independent training workshops or a series of sessions.

Learning Outcomes

• Recognize how poor communication can damage an organization
• Understand how to handle unique communication problems
• Learn how to improve communication skills
• Create a personal action plan

How it works

Working as employees of a toy manufacturing company, teams are charged with building new prototypes using fun, colorful parts. But the hands-on tasks become difficult when they are presented with obstacles that challenge their communication skills. Through the experience of working together and with the help of the facilitator, participants learn how to overcome these problems to improve their performance through effective communication.

Uses for the Product

Communication Derailed is appropriate for individuals at any level of an organization. The three modules can be run independently or in a series.

• Module 1 can be run with new teams (to give them an idea of the challenges they may face) or existing teams (to expose and identify current communication problems). This can also be used for general team communication skill-building.
• Module 2 is appropriate in organizations that require cross-team or cross-department work. Organizations with only a few levels of management will also benefit from this training.
• Module 3 should be used in organizations that are in the midst of transition. It will also be helpful to fast-moving organizations that function under continual time pressure.

Target Audience
All individuals - especially those working on a team or with new people.

Product Type
Game

Time Required
2-3 hours per module
There are 3 modules that can be combined or used separately

What to Order

Game Kit: Order one per trainer.
Includes one Facilitator Guide and the participant materials necessary to conduct each of the three training modules.

QuickStart Training: Optional
Whether you are a novice trainer or seasoned facilitator, we highly recommend HRDQ QuickStart Training. Personalized, one-on-one telephone coaching gets you up-to-speed quickly. Our subject matter experts will review the product content with you, offer ideas for tailoring it to your specific needs, discuss typical participant questions and reactions, and more.

About the Authors

Eileen M. Russo, Ph.D., is former vice president of research and development for HRDQ. She has a Ph. D. in social psychology with a minor in organizational behavior and an MS in social psychology from the University of Pittsburgh. Eileen has a BA in psychology from Fairfield University. Her work includes research in social influence, group behavior, decision making, and perceptions of control at work. As vice president of research and development, Eileen was responsible for overseeing the development of HRDQ products.

Chris Bayley Giblin is a former member of the research and development team at HRDQ. In addition to developing products, Chris also wrote for the public relations department. Prior to joining HRDQ, Chris was a member of the TV Guide writing staff. She has a BA in English from Principia College. Chris is now a freelance writer.

Free Resources

Ask the Theoretical Background at office@dekon.biz

Reviews

“Communication Derailed is a very simple exercise with a very powerful impact. We have decided to roll it out to the entire company.”

Dugan Fry
Director of Training
Checkers/Rally’s

“The game action really mirrored what was happening in our organization – and my participants walked away with great ideas about how to improve their communication.”

Lynne Lummel
Director of Organization Development for General Licensing
ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers)