This decision game methodology example was authored by decision game experts Quirk Solutions (with their MD, Chris Paton, narrating the video above).
Harnessing the Method Grid solution, they have developed a high-level decision gaming methodology grid.
Decision games form an essential part of the toolbox for any business professional. This methodology helps ensure that a programme/project/strategy/plan is given a thorough reality check – to make sure it is robust and any weaknesses have been addressed. This not only increases the chances of success from a technical perspective, it also serves as a vital communication tool, helping everyone buy-in to the plan. In this way, decision games are crucial in avoiding over-run and over-spend – as caused by ‘confirmation bias’ and overly positive ‘of course this will work’ optimism.
Who might this methodology be useful for?
The grid will be particularly useful for anyone leading a large programme, strategy or change/transformation that must go well. It is designed as a starting point for those who have never experienced the benefits of a decision game (read: ‘pressure test’, ‘stress test’ or ‘war game’) and who want to get to the pragmatic, nitty-gritty of how to facilitate such a session.
How is this decision game methodology best used?
The grid facilitates the scoping, design, development and delivery of a decision game in order to derive the expected outcomes. As such, it can be cloned to act as a guide for an actual decision game delivery, checking off each element as you go. It doesn’t go into depth on all the different types of games; rather, the intention is that organisations can evolve and bespoke their own unique solutions as they go.
What does this decision gaming method consist of?
The grid sets out the end-to-end process of a successful decision game including:
- Who should take part
- How to define the scope of the game
- How the set the desired outcomes and what types of topic can be gamed
- How to design the agenda
- How to prepare everyone in advance
- What types of game and outcomes are there
- How to facilitate the game
- How best to capture the outcomes