According to Consult (a publication of the Canadian Association of Management consultants) one of the upcoming trends of Change Management in 2018 lies within the alternative methods of engaging stakeholders. One method of engagement being Gamification in change management. This notion – Gamification, although not new, is a “hot topic” at the moment. Gamification provides an alternate platform for learning and engaging employees more effectively within the workplace. Let’s take some time to explore Gamification further.

What is Gamification and what is it not:

A common misconception is that Gamification is the creation of a specific game to make use of within a specific business context. Rather, Gamification leverages the game elements that make playing games enjoyable by focussing on our Human Motivators. A thorough definition, provided by Karl Kapp, a well-known expert in the field of learning and games, states “Gamification is using game-based mechanics, aesthetics and game-thinking to engage people, motivate action, promote learning and solve problems.” In essence, Gamification presents the fundamentals of game design into “non-game like” situations and/or environments, making it more pleasant and appealing for the employee to engage with, increasing overall motivation and participation.

So, what are some of the basic Human Motivators that make Gaming a pleasant experience?

• For one, we would like to gain a sense of achievement when playing games. Am I gaining more points? Have I advanced in my level? Have I progressed? What is my reward for working through the set challenges?
• Exercising effort toward realising a set goal provides majority humans with a sense of purpose. The challenge is, in turn, what motivates humans to pursue the end goal in search of achievement.
• Competing against one another provides majority individuals with a great amount of motivation to persevere. Whether it be related to our biological trait to survive or our instinct to “joust” and win the affections of the crowd.
• Working in cooperation with each other and interacting with other human beings provides us with great intrinsic joy. We are social beings after all.

Game mechanics, if used correctly, can successfully engage the end user in completing the “challenge” and in turn, adopting the desired behaviour. Successful Gamifications strategies ensure the inclusion of some of the following Game Mechanics, if not all:

• Fast Feedback
• Transparency
• Goals
• Badges
• Levelling Up
• Onboarding
• Competition
• Collaboration
• Community
• Points

Gamification used well:

A wonderful example of Gamification successfully used within the South African context lies with a well-known company: Discovery Insure. As part of their inventory of vitality programmes, Vitality Drive is a behaviour programme that rewards their clientele for driving well. Acceleration, braking, cornering, speeding, distance driving, night-time driving and cell phone usage are measured throughout a given period. According to how well the driver fairs against these established parameters, they will be rewarded for “Good behaviour” through possible fuel-back rewards, discounts and possible decreases in monthly premiums.

Gaming mechanics used within this example include fast feedback, transparency, competition, points, goals, levelling up and appropriate rewarding. This could easily be utilized within a transport company to, for example, save on fuel costs by changing the behaviour of their employed drivers. Think Operant Conditioning (B.F Skinner).

How can we make use of Gamification in Change Management?

As an overall engagement and learning tool, Change Management can successfully benefit from Gamification initiatives. By carefully considering Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and aligning incentives to varying levels of motivation, organizations will allow for quicker adoption rates of future change initiatives. Changing existing behaviours with increased ease and embedding the new way of work more aptly.

Additionally, with the Agile methodology increasingly being adopted within organisations, change managers will be able to leverage off the adaptability of gamification. Swiftly adjusting learning to suit specific sprints and allowing for a smooth transition for the employee effected.

In closing, I leave you with a simple but effective quote from the famous Buddy Rich:

You only get better by playing…