Although you did not find this training to be a rewarding experience, there is a movement today toward more experience-based training, generally referred to as experiential training. This approach to training in such areas as teamwork, communication, and leadership is designed to provide the participants with an opportunity to learn through experience. This approach is also designed to provide the participants with an opportunity to have some fun while they learn.
At the same time, if a company is going to implement this kind of program, it is essential to have a debriefing at the end of the day. Without a real effort in this area, the training program will be viewed as a fun diversion at best, and as a childish waste of time at worst. With a proper concluding component, many key points can be drawn to help the participants better connect the experiential training with the real world in which they work.
This approach is not suitable for all training topics, and it is always important for a company to evaluate the effectiveness of any training program. In fact, many companies today are finding that experiential training can have a positive impact on productivity. However, as part of the evaluation of the program you experienced, you should let management know that there is a need for more discussion at the end of the game.
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