Games leaders play

What makes my training unique is the use of game to teach various corporate concepts from the Johari window to win-win negotiations.

One of my favourite sessions was with a group of young leaders in Colombo. I took a game off the shelf and made it my own. The learning was embedded in the various twists and turns I orchestrated. The debrief was participant A-HAs and best practice sharing.

I've been using game for over 7 years now, and can say with confidence, that it does enhance learning on a subconscious level.

WARNING: These games are designed by a professional and played under supervision. Do not try this at home:)

Varying perspectives

I also run Now! let's play with my business partner Rahul George. We use a combination of  NLP and Metaphors of movement in our executive coaching and group interventions.

Thought I'd share a powerful tool in our repertoire : the NLP exercise of perceptual positions. I use it when working with teams or individuals looking to build bridges between peers and clients.

Use it on yourself and let me know how well it worked.

Empowering leaders of global teams

We stand in the gap for companies that operate in globalized markets, building bridges, trust and an appreciation of diversity between teams and clients.

We integrate Hofstede's research on cultural dimensions and Neuro Linguistic Programming in individual and group coaching, enabling participants to build strong self-belief which enhances communication.

We have perfected the art of using game theory and challenge participants with physical, mental and board games to simulate real-time workplace challenges. Apart from these tools, we widely use sociometrics — a physical representation, measurement and study of preferences.

Contentment INDIA customizes the following business communication modules:

1. Email and telephone etiquette, based on an understanding of

a. Cross-cultural value diversity that impacts communication

b. Client diversity – personalities, pressures and preferences

2. Communication between global teams, leveraging an understanding of hierarchy, communication and decision making styles, as well as of how one sees time

3. Leading global teams, paying attention to management, communication and feedback styles

Diversity? Look for what's common!

For years I've helped groups see the reasons for communication breakdown between cultures -- power distance, focus on task over relationship and vice versa, or even how open one is to risk -- or not. The realization has no doubt helped many an individual to pluck up the courage to speak more directly and hence build trust. It has even perhaps helped him conduct more effective conference calls and be more proactive.

At the IAF conference, however, I learnt an amazing truth: when working with diversity, look for what's common. I can't remember if it was Rhonda Tranks or Tom Schwarz whose advise I promptly put into action. The results have been amazing, especially when standing in the gap for global teams.

Nothing brings people together better than a shared vision and respect for multiple ways to make it a reality.