Insights from Chris Beckert on Actee Simulations

In this engaging podcast episode, Chris Beckert shares his extensive experience with Actee simulations and their impact on leadership training and decision-making. He offers practical advice for facilitators and emphasizes the importance of technology in creating meaningful learning experiences.

The Value of Decision-Making Tools

Chris highlights the unique opportunity provided by Actee to visualize the consequences of business decisions involving finances, personnel, and stakeholders. He collaborates with Bernard Wielemans to enhance the Actee experience through an Excel tool that allows participants to view results based on various theories of change. The reports generated after simulations offer participants valuable insights into their decisions and foster a deeper understanding of the underlying theories.

Engaging Learners and Ensuring Retention

Chris discusses how the intrinsic motivation of participants is vital for effective learning. The design of Actee tools focuses on keeping learners engaged, addressing their needs, and ensuring they stay committed to the process. He emphasizes that facilitators must create a welcoming environment where participants feel comfortable and willing to engage with the simulation.

Preparing for Facilitation

When preparing to facilitate an Actee simulation, Chris advises dedicating the majority of preparation time—around 80 hours—to mastering the technology and interface. Understanding how to start a session, including all teams in team challenges, and eliminating any fears participants may have about using the tools is crucial. He suggests that facilitators should also familiarize themselves with the decisions involved in the simulation to enhance their understanding of cause-and-effect relationships, which is essential for effective leadership training.

Practical Advice for New Facilitators

Chris offers valuable insights for new facilitators, advising them to allocate their time wisely. He recommends spending 80 hours mastering the technology and 20 hours on content preparation. As facilitators gain experience, they will find that the time needed for preparation decreases, allowing them to focus more on delivering engaging learning experiences.

Conclusion

Chris Beckert's insights into the effective use of Actee simulations provide a roadmap for facilitators looking to enhance their skills in leadership training. By prioritizing the mastery of technology, understanding decision-making processes, and creating engaging learning environments, facilitators can maximize the impact of their sessions. This podcast serves as a valuable resource for those committed to developing their facilitation skills and creating meaningful learning experiences for their participants.