Become the strategic partner to the board of directors.

10. Polling Question Polling Questions: Which of the following in NOT a goal of simulations? 1. Anticipate scenarios you hadn’t previously considered. 2. Think outside the box. 3. Question basic assumptions. 4. Create a detailed action plan for the next 6 months.

14. Case Study #2: Robert Express Roberts Express was a mid cap logistics company that was struggling with its IT The CIO and CFO supported an upgrade of IT but the board resisted, not seeing how it would enhance customer value The company hired an outside consultant to assist them in modeling the problem in the format of a table-top board game simulation. The case for IT was hard to make on hard numbers: instead it was based on the “soft” benefits of improved customer relations, faster response times to inquiries, and better information about package location--but the advantage still wasn’t clear to the Board Board members engaged in a two day retreat. One day was devoted to a business simulation where the new IT platform was made available to only 1 of 4 teams With this advantage the team that had a simulated IT platform outperformed the other teams by a large margin. That helped the Board make the decision in favor of going ahead with the IT upgrade.

17. Polling Question Polling Questions: A simulation can be particularly helpful when a Board is balking at a decision that hinges on “soft” decision criteria?: 1) Yes 2) No

18. CFOs Alternative Approaches Simulations often use board games The incentive to win the game leads us to use both left brain (intelligence, reason) and right brain (intuition) and to drop long-held assumptions Can allow brain to work in ways it doesn’t usually For example, money maps are a visual game theory application that allow complex financial issues to be visualized and discussed in a compelling manner

20. Game Plan for Change is a table top simulation designed to ignite growth through transformation. Distinctive in its directed design: requires you to follow a logical, structured process, for example in pursuing a cost containment program Emphasis is on how steps are related Requires visioning up front to focus on your objectives and how you plan to get there May move players from one table to another to simulate someone leaving the company Another Simulation Board Game: Game Plan For Change

22. Polling Question Polling Questions: Which of the following in NOT part of the simulation process? 1. Divide up into teams. 2. Compete to win. 3. Explore personality conflicts on your team. 4. Understand the economic impact of decisions you made.

24. Follow up Questions? Jack Howe [email_address] www.drumbeatproductions.com 972-462-0243 469-387-1489