In-box Training Exercises
How to create an in-box exercise as a job simulation
A reader asked for information on off-the-shelf in-box exercises for use in simulation training for management/leadership development.
Question from a reader:
I am looking for a good source of off-the-shelf in-box exercises for use in management/leadership development. I'm specifically interested in a mid to upper level management focus. Based on your experience, can you recommend such a source?
Answer:
I am not a big fan of off-the-shelf products for in-box exercises as I think that a more customized approach is often better received especially by upper level managers. An in-box exercise’s purpose is to teach time management, priority setting and organization using an in-box full of mock documents as a type of simulation exercise. This form of simulation exercise can be a great way to introduce a creative element to a day-long training event.
To create an in-box exercise, first start with an idea for a project. An actual project that has been completed in the last 3 years at the company would be a great example – especially if you are training new staff. If you are modelling your exercise after a past project, try to find real examples from the actual project and edit them so they do not contain any information that may be sensitive.
Include the following in the in-box (cheap plastic in-boxes work great here or do it all electronically by providing an e-folder of documents):
- A pad of paper and pens (or a computer with MS excel and MS word)
- Blank forms commonly used in the company (soft or hard copies)
- A calendar
- Catalogues for the necessary supplies (or web links, varies with type of project)
- An email or memo from a senior executive describing the project and its history. The email or memo asks this person to lead the 3 month project and prepare a proposal.
Ask them to write a 2 page proposal that includes at minimum:
- project time line and action plan
- budget
- research needed (i.e. unanswered questions)
You would need to provide enough information so that they can plan a budget and time line and not have a huge list of outstanding research needed.
At some point during the time you’ve allotted for the exercise (4-6 hours generally), throw in a couple of crisis situations to stir up the pot. For example, send them another memo reducing the timeline to 2 months after they are over half way through the exercise or if you give them a set budget, cut it in half part way through the exercise. Another great stressor is to throw another small project their way that must be completed as well by the end of the exercise.
As I prefer to customize exercises, I can’t recommend an off-the-shelf exercise but I’ve always been impressed with Mel Silberman’s books on active training. Pfeiffer has a section called “Ready-to-use activities” which may be a place for you to look.
A good example of an in-box exercise (e-tray in this example) can be found here.
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