The militaries of several countries use computer games and simulations to both teach and train soldiers and officers in tasks and thought processes related to their missions and specializations.

This technique is moving (little by little) into the business world as well, and one of the places where it's making the largest inroads is in the realm of decision-making training.

From the perspective of teaching new managers in your own business, computer games and board games can be used to huge effect, however, there are some pitfalls. First, make sure that you're conscious of what goal you're aiming for - education or training? Educational games focus on one nested set of decisions and tend to remain fairly abstract.

A high-quality educational game - focused on project management training for instance - should permit the players to explore the decision space reflected by that kind of game.

A training simulation is intended to determine how well a student is absorbing and re-enacting doctrines and training techniques.

Though a first person shooting game, like Doom or Counter Strike is no replacement for rifle training for a soldier, it's an excellent instrument to see if soldiers have learned about movement, communications, and coordinated actions in a hostile situation, as the same things that will keep you alive in the field will keep you alive in the game - moving from cover to concealment, mobilized over watch, and similar concepts.

Schooling isn't just regurgitation of doctrine and training, it's acquainting of the decision making processes.

For exedcutives (and officers in the armed forces) there needs to be an emphasis on teaching as well as training.

A excellent manager should be familiar with the decision making process of the layer of management that reports to him, and for two levels higher than him.

The equivalent applies to a executive in most companies.

Furthermore, an officer (or supervisor) should to be able to assess challenges to his line of actions, be conscious of assets available to him, and with initiative, be capable to organize those assets without compromising the plans of those above him.

When taking lessons from computer games, focus on the decision making loops, and focus on concepts.

While trying to turn computer games into planned schooling for your employees, keep in mind that games are supposed to be enjoyable.

Games that aren't fun tend to get unconstructive criticism from the players, and the teaching imparted by them don't stick.

Center on how the core concepts of the game will assist your new executives work in your company, but let them enjoy in what they're doing - people find out more, and take in the lessons better, when they're having enjoyment.

So, the next time you're caught playing a computer game in the office, maybe you can justify it as professional improvement.

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