In addition to technical expertise, soft skills play an increasingly important role in job searches and professional life. So, what is the best way to showcase them? Business simulations offer a holistic learning experience that combines technical, methodological, and social challenges, allowing participants to train both hard and soft skills. In this article, we explain how soft skills can be developed through management simulations.
Why are Soft Skills Important?
Although professional qualifications are important for filling a professional position, soft skills often determine whether candidates are hired or promoted.
Social skills create a competitive advantage. Among candidates with comparable degrees and similar specialized knowledge, those who stand out from their competitors primarily do so due to their teamwork abilities, communication skills, and methodological knowledge. Studies have shown that university graduates’ employability increases when they have a combination of relevant hard and soft skills.¹
A recent analysis report published on LinkedIn shows how urgently companies need employees with soft skills. According to the report, 90% of global managers believe soft skills are more important than ever.² Targeted training in social and methodological skills is essential for a successful career.
In What Ways Can Business Simulations Help Develop Soft Skills?
According to the analysis report, leadership, teamwork, communication, and time management are among the soft skills most sought after by recruiters.² All of these skills can be developed through business simulations.
Leadership
In a simulation scenario, participants assume the roles of managers and make relevant management decisions for their companies. This requires assertiveness and strategic thinking. Groups independently develop a corporate strategy, which they must adapt as the game progresses and external circumstances change. In doing so, participants learn to handle complex situations and improve their problem-solving abilities. They learn to defend their opinions, respond to others, and prioritize in the best interest of their company.
Teamwork
Teamwork is a central component of business simulation games. Participants are challenged to make decisions and reach a consensus quickly. Sensible role allocation and mutual coordination are crucial for achieving a positive group result. Team members must cooperate and pursue the same goals and strategies to lead their company to success.
Communication
Effective communication within the team is essential for making decisions. Through exchanging ideas, having team discussions, and providing mutual feedback, participants learn from and with each other. They practice developing effective solutions through goal-oriented communication and simulate the exchange of work as it occurs in real business life.
Time Management
During a simulation-based seminar, participants’ self-management, sense of responsibility, flexibility, and reliability are put to the test. During each decision-making period, teams must analyze their previous performance, learn about market developments, and make new management decisions based on this information within a specified timeframe. Through this challenging task, participants learn to work under pressure and organize within a group.
Conclusion
Business simulations prepare learners for the technical, methodological, and interpersonal challenges of the working world. The focus of a business simulation seminar can be chosen flexibly. Seminar leaders can use accompanying exercises to focus their course on acquiring technical knowledge or training soft skills, depending on the learning objective.
Are you interested in organizing a business game seminar and need more information? We would be happy to answer your questions over the phone or via email at info@topsim.com.
Sources
² LinkedIn Talent Blog (2024): The Most In-Demand Skills for 2024
