GamelikeProblemSolvingMethods

From UoWiki

One approach to governing the problem solving process is the use of game like structures. Most people like games and are usually prepared to tone down their egos and politics for the sake of the game.

Edward De Bono's SixThinkingHats method is one well known example. Methods used to manage organisational coaching sessions such as the TheGrowModel share some of the same characteristics.

Important features of these approaches are that they involve simple rules, are turn based and take the focus off individuals. Unlike ordinary games the focus is put on an effective process that requires the active involvement of participants for the experience to be worthwhile and hopefully fun.

They seem to work by allowing movement to take place ie allowing people to try out different positions and work through more than what they regard as the burning issue of the moment.

For the process to start, all the participants need is to agree to play the 'game'. An individual is allocated a role similar to that of the bank or game controller in board games, and then we're off. At the end of the game the participants will still be free to hold the same views they had at the start. The process however will at least have given them the chance to consider alternatives.

Further Information:

Downey, M. 2002, Effective Coaching, Texere, London.
De Bono, E. 2000, Six Thinking Hats, Penguin, Middlesex.