Klas Mellander describes how to create lasting knowledge
There is a growing sense of urgency among our clients and customers to incorporate learning experiences that can reach large numbers of people very quickly and that have an immediate and visible impact. Klas Mellander, Celemi co-founder and chief designer of our business simulations, describes the five key elements that distinguish "the power of learning" from other training and educational programs, and shares ideas for making learning opportunities more relevant in your own organization.
Learning is a visual process
All of our simulations share a visual element. We create a physical model of the organization and illustrate the specific points at which money comes in and money goes out. We create a visual frame of reference about how the business works.
Learning is an experiential process
It is human nature that we learn better, and remember longer, when we experience the outcomes of our actions ourselves. Think about the difference between a child who is told not to touch a pot because it is hot and the child who touches a hot pot. Which child do you think is less likely to touch a hot pot again? Celemi's business simulations let people experience the outcomes of their own actions - for better or worse (although in a much safer application!). Rather than spoon-feed them conclusions, we give people a hands-on experience. We allow them to explore how the business works and see for themselves how different levers affect the bottom line, profit and cash flow.
Learning with others develops vital relationships
Our simulations inspire discussion with colleagues, they provide opportunities to learn from each other, make valuable connections between professions, backgrounds, departments, and cultures. Most importantly, organizations prosper when there is a common business language, and a unified and shared understanding.
Learning needs vary
Because no two organizations have the same exact learning needs or desire the exact same outcomes, all of our simulations are designed to be extremely flexible. There are plenty of opportunities in our best selling simulations to incorporate a company's own financial data, market research or other critical business information. In situations where there is a completely unique need, we design custom solutions based on the same hands-on and visual methodology, which has proven successful for more than 30 years.
Learning is fun ...
serious fun! Participants of Celemi simulations gain a solid, conceptual understanding that they never forget, and which makes it easier to continue to learn more - and more complex - information. Yet, people appreciate being engaged and getting involved, which they do when they are asked to take on challenges and solve problems in our simulations. There's an obvious fun-factor, but the outcome is quite serious.
