17. Business Acumen Simulation Essentials

Choosing the Best Business Acumen Simulation is our comprehensive 17-part guide to evaluating, selecting, and achieving meaningful results with business simulations. In this final installment, we share the DOs and DON’Ts of 'business acumen simulation' design and delivery — helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize impact.

A One-Stop Recap of the Full Series

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Avoid: Passive or automated learning Because… it will limit engagement and reduce retention.	Look For: Truly experiential learning Because… hands-on, interactive methods drive engagement and retention.
Avoid: Closed decision-making Because… it limits engagement and reduces retention.	Look For: Open decision-making Because… teams control the game, building autonomy and accountability.
Avoid: Audio/visual learning only Because… it neglects two key learning styles.	Look For: Integrated learning & playing Because… actions lead to results, which lead to analysis and discussion.
Avoid: Game design that only focuses on Competitors & Achievers Because… it only satisfies some participants, some of the time.	Look For: Playful learning with exploration & collaborative decision-making Because… people can play and learn in the mode that fits their personality and moment.
Avoid: Modeling the wrong business drivers Because… unrealistic/irrelevant scenarios don’t connect to real functions.	Look For: Relevant real-world business drivers Because… people connect to scenarios that reflect their roles, so learning sticks.
Avoid: Hidden rules (black box) Because… they obscure understanding and destroy trust.	Look For: Transparency Because… participants can see how everyday actions change the business.
Avoid: Fine-grained detail (too soon) Because… it overwhelms learners and blocks big-picture understanding.	Look For: Broad-brush concepts Because… fundamentals first; details make sense later.
Avoid: Silo thinking Because… it leads to isolated decisions that ignore broader needs.	Look For: Whole-business thinking Because… teams learn to decide for the good of the company.
Avoid: Partial financial statements Because… they give an incomplete understanding of business.	Look For: Full financial statements Because… they build a complete picture (cash flow and profit).
Avoid: Learning that ends when the workshop ends Because… it doesn’t add to growth and development.	Look For: Applied & lifelong learning Because… beyond-classroom use ensures practical application and ongoing growth.
Avoid: A mix of unrelated solutions Because… people won’t share a common language or understanding.	Look For: A scalable simulation Because… shared experience and language improve communication.
Avoid: Too much focus on your company Because… it locks people into static thinking and limits flexibility.	Look For: A focus on your industry Because… it promotes critical thinking and broader understanding.

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