Games.  Professional development.

Two things, both of which get me very excited.  I decided to start making a list of organizations and individuals that employ games either to help individuals develop professional skills or to enable team-building.  From my personal contacts, these are the following groups who use games in a business context:

• Action Centered Training, Inc. - I was introduced to Ron Roberts by way of Mary Couzin.  Ron has an incredible passion toward professional development and not only uses, but invents games to use in team-building and corporate training endeavors.
• iO (formerly improvOlympic) - Paul Bellos reached out to me after my first GameTime Connections event was promoted in Brad Spirrison's Chicago Sun Times column.  We met in-person and hit it off as we share similar values toward play, creativity and professional development.  iO does great improv shows and has adapted their training programs to support corporate needs.
• The Go Game - My brother-in-law took part in an implementation of The Go Game as a large-scale team-building event for one of his business organizations.  Aside from wire figures dancing like gorillas on the splash page, I get the impression that these people know games and have created a unique approach to team development.

Who else is using games within a corporate framework?  Comment here about the individuals, groups or companies from whom you have experienced team-building or professional development games.

Here's a quick one.  You only have to give it one try in the real world to see how it suits you and then share with me the results of your experience.  Before the activity, take a moment to review these questions:

• How many people do you see each day?  This includes people on the bus, train, street, coffee shop, office, etc.
• What percentage of those people are strangers?
• Of the strangers, what percentage do you speak with each day?
• Now, how many of the strangers do you believe could bring value into your life or vice-versa?

Why don't we talk to strangers?  Is it because years ago our parents told us not to?  Break the rules that say don't talk to strangers (unless you are under 18, in which case you should get your parent's permission first ).  Start a conversation with someone you have never met and explore what you have in common and where you might bring something into their life.  You'll be amazed how many people are just like us and would love the opportunity to actually engage in conversation with someone else.  Below are some pointers if you are at a loss on how to approach someone:

• Mention the [logo | sports team | funny saying] on their [shirt | hat | jacket | bag].
• Talk about the crazy weather we've been having this winter.
• Ask how they like the [book | magazine] they are reading (only if they are actually reading something).
• While waiting for the bus, ask if they think the CTA will ever run on schedule - you'll be amazed how easy it is to talk about the CTA (even easier than the weather).
• Ask if they think there will be a Cubs/Sox World Series this year.
• Come up with something on the spot to start a conversation.

You may find that not everyone wants to talk, but from my experience, you'll be at least equally surprised how many do and how much value they can bring into your life.

Always have fun,
Jacob

This past week was quite a busy one.  In just seven days, GameTime 24x7:

• officially partnered with Mary Couzin, Caren Ex and Danny Lewis to secure sponsors for the Loteria Mix game
• engaged with Gamers of Chicago and the Chicago LAN Party Meetup to collaborate on a casual game design competition - site and rules forthcoming
• further streamlined the vision of the GameTime 24x7 physical club concept - a haven for game lovers to meet, play and explore all variety of games

Of course, with our vision of improvisational entrepreneurship, we're always looking for passionate folks who would like to be a part of any of our initiatives, including the three mentioned above.  If you are eager to engage on business or game-related projects, email your interests and past experience to gamesmaster@gametime24x7.com - operators are standing by.

Always have fun,
Jacob

I'm sure everyone has heard that quote before: "Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?"  Especially if you have ever worked on a dysfunctional team or in an organization where communication was not operating at its best, you are familiar with the idea of different individuals or teams performing independently at best, or in direct opposition at its worst.  Well, this week's game is taking the quote a bit more literally.  Take one or more activities that you typically do with your dominant hand.  Over the course of this week, use only your non-dominant hand to complete the activity.  This could be as simple as brushing your teeth, talking on the phone or using your remote control.  As you begin to engage your non-dominant half, you will not only begin to appreciate the complex motor skills required from your dominant hand, but also reflect on how the rest of your body responds.

As an example, I almost always hold my phone up to my left ear with my left hand.  My right hand, being dominant, is sometimes restless and wants to check email or otherwise engage itself.  When I switch and have my right hand holding the phone to my right ear, I engage my listening skills more intently.  Perhaps it's because my right hand is no longer free to be distracted - I'm not sure.  What I do know is that it completely changes my perception of the phone call.

Play the game of switching hands this week with non-critical activities (i.e. no switching up for surgery, driving, handling flammables, etc.) and see how your body and mind respond to the difference.  When you've had your fill, come back here and share what the experience was, how it felt and how, if at all, it changed your outlook or behavior.

[This exercise is inspired by a suggestion from Hope Bertram.  Thank you, Hope, for providing the great idea!]

Thanks to the wonderful folks at CafePress.com, the artful stylings of Kalin and the computer graphics skills of Roberto, we have an official merchandise store.  We've currently got four designs stocked, two pertaining to the racial implications of chess, one to tout your skills as a poker master and one whimsical design that makes light of developing in the game Settlers of Catan.  You can check out all of the designs at the official GameTime 24x7, Ltd. Merchandise Shop.