FUN…With a Purpose | By Lizz Chambers, CHE, CHA
You show up at 8:00 am for a training workshop. You have been dreading this all week. You ask yourself, "Why am I here? Will this be worth my time? I swear if they make me play games I may be forced to commit hara-kiri." Sound even vaguely familiar?
During our annual General Manager's conference, we always bring in an outside trainer. One year our presenter was game obsessed. If there can be death by Power Point, we quickly realized during this conference, that there could be death by games. In one particular game all of our General Managers were bouncing a beach ball. (To all of you trainers who use this game, I am sure it is productive in certain environments.) After we bounced around the ball for a while, the game ended and the trainer conducted the de-briefing. We were then asked the question…"What did we learn from this exercise?" This one beautiful, out-spoken, and long time General Manager said...and I will paraphrase for the sake of decorum… "Not a single blessed thing!"
That is when the light came on for me! Why should our trainees have to search for the hidden meaning behind the FUN? If they are in attendance to learn, then as trainers don't we owe it to our trainees to tailor the FUN to the message and make that message clear, not abstract. How can trainees be totally engaged if the meaning is lost in the interpretation?
Now, please do not misinterpret my meaning. I sincerely believe that the more enjoyable the training, the more engaged the trainees. However, the exercises and games in a classroom setting should not only be designed to engage trainees, but to improve performance/behavior on the job and the retention of the material covered. In other words, design the FUN to be directly applicable to the content and to the desired job performance.
I have always taken pride in the FUN incorporated in our workshops. However, I have always dreamed of a special game that would allow me to create my own content, control the responses, test the knowledge retained, while completely engaging every trainee in the learning experience. I have made several attempts at creating a game show format by using plywood, felt, Velcro, laminated questions and numbered paddles for trainees to hold up when a team knew an answer. It was bulky to carry from hotel to hotel and although enjoyed by all, there was always controversy on which team held their paddle up first. A little more conflict than I wanted. Thank goodness I finally found a wonderful software tool that I could use to create and play Hollywood-style game shows complete with wireless buzzers. Believe me the buzzers are much better than numbered paddles.
Each game show can be tailored to the material covered during the workshop. Our associates rave about Game Show Pro (LearningWare, Inc) and really connect with the energy created by the competition and FUN. Believe me, there is nothing better to get a trainee's adrenaline going after a long class. It is extremely helpful to tell the trainees about the game show when you begin. I have found that when the trainees know there will be a competition at completion of the training, they pay more attention, take more notes and retain more information in preparation for the game. I have to admit that I can't help getting as excited as they do when I see the information retention and attention levels soar while they play the game.
While we use many FUN activities in our workshops, the following are the four most popular with our associates and supervisors:
FUN used properly can engage, energize, motivate and assist your team in retaining knowledge that may be fleeting without on the spot reinforcement. Use FUN wisely and associates will begin to look forward to training workshops and walk away with more than you both expected.
[Lizz Chambers conducts in-house training and training assistance for all properties managed by Newport Hospitality Group. She coordinates and conducts supervisory skills workshops to prepare supervisors to earn their certification through AH&LA's Educational Institute.]
During our annual General Manager's conference, we always bring in an outside trainer. One year our presenter was game obsessed. If there can be death by Power Point, we quickly realized during this conference, that there could be death by games. In one particular game all of our General Managers were bouncing a beach ball. (To all of you trainers who use this game, I am sure it is productive in certain environments.) After we bounced around the ball for a while, the game ended and the trainer conducted the de-briefing. We were then asked the question…"What did we learn from this exercise?" This one beautiful, out-spoken, and long time General Manager said...and I will paraphrase for the sake of decorum… "Not a single blessed thing!"
That is when the light came on for me! Why should our trainees have to search for the hidden meaning behind the FUN? If they are in attendance to learn, then as trainers don't we owe it to our trainees to tailor the FUN to the message and make that message clear, not abstract. How can trainees be totally engaged if the meaning is lost in the interpretation?
Now, please do not misinterpret my meaning. I sincerely believe that the more enjoyable the training, the more engaged the trainees. However, the exercises and games in a classroom setting should not only be designed to engage trainees, but to improve performance/behavior on the job and the retention of the material covered. In other words, design the FUN to be directly applicable to the content and to the desired job performance.
I have always taken pride in the FUN incorporated in our workshops. However, I have always dreamed of a special game that would allow me to create my own content, control the responses, test the knowledge retained, while completely engaging every trainee in the learning experience. I have made several attempts at creating a game show format by using plywood, felt, Velcro, laminated questions and numbered paddles for trainees to hold up when a team knew an answer. It was bulky to carry from hotel to hotel and although enjoyed by all, there was always controversy on which team held their paddle up first. A little more conflict than I wanted. Thank goodness I finally found a wonderful software tool that I could use to create and play Hollywood-style game shows complete with wireless buzzers. Believe me the buzzers are much better than numbered paddles.
Each game show can be tailored to the material covered during the workshop. Our associates rave about Game Show Pro (LearningWare, Inc) and really connect with the energy created by the competition and FUN. Believe me, there is nothing better to get a trainee's adrenaline going after a long class. It is extremely helpful to tell the trainees about the game show when you begin. I have found that when the trainees know there will be a competition at completion of the training, they pay more attention, take more notes and retain more information in preparation for the game. I have to admit that I can't help getting as excited as they do when I see the information retention and attention levels soar while they play the game.
While we use many FUN activities in our workshops, the following are the four most popular with our associates and supervisors:
- Game Show Pro (includes 6 Hollywood-Style Game Shows from Corporate Feud to Wheel of Knowledge)
- Although many games are popular "The Final Answer" at present is the all-time favorite. Trainees prefer to play in teams. (Putting individuals on the spot we have found is frequently counter productive)
- When the trainees know there will be a competition at the end of the class, they pay more attention, take more notes and retain more information in preparation for the game
- Name That Tune (popular after Orientation).
- Have each team select a runner. The runners will sit in a chair on opposite sides of the room surrounded by their team members. In the center of a room you will place a bell.
- Play theme songs from various sitcoms.
- The first group to recognize the show sends their runner to ring the bell.
- The runner from the team ringing the bell gets the first opportunity to answer a question from orientation.
- The runner gets exercise while their team members cheer them on.
- Bubblegum Blowing Contest (Housekeeping)
- After the winner is named the housekeepers must spit their gum into a cup. (After all, we can't have gum chewing and popping in the classroom)
- Then…we happen to remember that the competition is not over and ask trainees to take their gum back.
- No one will place their hand in the cup to retrieve their gum and the more we coax the more upset they become.
- Then we ask…"What do you put your hands in every day (without gloves) that is far worse than the chewed gum of your friends and co-workers?" Point Made!
- Material Safety Data Sheet Exercise (Housekeeping)
- Go step by step through an MSDS for "Bathroom Cleaner"
- Display examples of each cleaner used on property with a small amount poured into a clear plastic glass.
- The liquid in the glasses is Gatorade. (Every chemical we use has a Gatorade flavor of a similar color). Pretend to use these to show the proper dilution.
- Then continue with the class.
- Before the class adjourns begin to cough and instead of drinking the water which is placed next to the Bathroom Cleaner (Gatorade) drink the Gatorade instead.
- Be sure and tell someone in the class what you plan to do. (I have had a manager run from the classroom and call 911. I must be a good actress)
- No one forgets the importance of or how to read an MSDS after this exercise. (I usually have to call a break to allow everyone regain their composure)
FUN used properly can engage, energize, motivate and assist your team in retaining knowledge that may be fleeting without on the spot reinforcement. Use FUN wisely and associates will begin to look forward to training workshops and walk away with more than you both expected.
[Lizz Chambers conducts in-house training and training assistance for all properties managed by Newport Hospitality Group. She coordinates and conducts supervisory skills workshops to prepare supervisors to earn their certification through AH&LA's Educational Institute.]
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