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-- Anonymous, November 02, 1998

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Fast Company Article

Clark B. Montgomery M.Ed. Extension Cohort Fast Company October, 1998

"Game Over'" by Peter Carbonara, December 1996. Pg. 128-134

Summary

In an article dealing with computer simulation as a means of "practicing the game of business", the effort is justified with the old philosophy that the best way to get better is to make mistakes. Although most everyone would agree with that adage, "the uncomfortable reality in most companies is that people are making more complex decisions in less time, with fewer resources and no margin for error." Business people, argues the author, have as much need for practice as do athletes, musicians and actors. However, learning from real mistakes is too costly for business' and the people who make them.

Enter this computer simulation exercise, a technological adaptation of military and computer game origin. Still in its infancy, companies and their executives practicing "business" with the software find the exercise helpful and insightful. The ultimate result of computer simulation is that it develops leadership qualities of courage and confidence. As a result, managers become more aggressive [during the exercise] and try options they would normally be too prudent to try in real life.

Reflection

The computer version of this simulation exercise is an example of technology working to better adapt to the demands of modern society. It almost seems to be a miracle at work. A little electronic gadgetry and PRESTO, we can make men out of mice, at least during the game. Too bad that when we get back to real life, the mice reappear. The author states that business places such high emphasis on accountability, "that managers are unwilling to adopt risky strategies - even if they pay big rewards". Perhaps that attitude is more pervasive in modern society than we really care to admit. Business, education, government -- the rewards for top performance seem seldom greater than the penalty for failure. In this affluent society, maybe we're just not hungry enough to risk losing the level of comfort we've attained. It doesn't seem reasonable to believe that a computer game can easily rectify this situation.

Discussion

In discussion with others, age seems to be the determining factor relative to the level of agreement with my thinking. That seems reasonable. Risk taking should be the domain of youth.

-- Anonymous, November 07, 1998


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