FAQ - SmoothTeam

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find more information and frequently asked questions about SmoothTeam simulation.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about SmoothTeam, with answers.

What does the simulation mean in practice for the team?

ENNAKKOON

First, choose what you want to develop in your team, i.e. which simulation you will play, and buy the simulation from the online shop.

Choose one game leader to act as a facilitator for the discussion. He/she will spend half an hour in advance to familiarise himself/herself with the game.

SIMULATION

Allow two hours of your team's time for a video conference or meeting. If you wish, you can also reserve a third hour for a joint team practice development discussion.

Your game leader will send everyone a link to access the simulation

Initially, everyone will do a self-assessment in less than 10 minutes. You will then take a journey together to assess the strengths and preferences of your team members.

The simulation makes visible, in a positive and constructive way, what you think about yourself and others. It can be used to discover latent strengths and to discuss, for example, roles in the team.

AFTER THE SIMULATION

You will receive simple reports from your team. However, the simulation and the discussion and understanding it generates is what is important, the reports are a summary of the simulation.

You discuss the conclusions: what did you learn, what will you change, what will you improve?

What kind of teams is this suitable for?

The tool is best suited for teams of 4-16 people. For larger teams, it is advisable to split up and play several simulations. The tool can be used by both remote and face-to-face teams. Using the game is not dependent on the industry, we have worked with a wide range of industries - vets, software builders and voluntary organisations alike.

Our simulation builds mutual understanding between the team. The starting point is that team members already know each other to some extent. The simulation is not suitable for starting a brand new team, but the Team at Leisure simulation works after just a few days together. After a week or two of working together, most simulations are productive. The game is not suitable for teams in crisis, such as bullying or major tensions between individuals. In these situations, we recommend using group counselling, mediation or other methods that bring the problem into the open and support its sensitive handling in the longer term. We can recommend good practitioners if you wish.

Can I facilitate the simulation myself and just use the tool?

We have a trusted consultant, can he run the simulation?

See above. We are happy to make the simulation available to the consultant and familiarise him/her with it.

WHAT IT REQUIRES FROM TECHNOLOGY

The simulation works with all major browsers (except Internet Explorer) on both PCs and modern smartphones.

When working remotely, everyone must have the equipment to use simulation and video conferencing at the same time. This means either a computer with two windows side by side, a computer and a mobile device, or two different smart devices.

Can I get a free demo?

Get in touch, and we'll be happy to show you the tool!

For the actual team session, we charge a satisfaction guarantee: if you're not satisfied, you get your money back. Our clients have been very satisfied!

What is the basis for the simulation to work?

What does this cost?

See our price list. We have a satisfaction guarantee: if you are not satisfied with the simulation, there is no obligation to pay.

Feedback is essential for development. It gives us a realistic view of our skills, strengths and areas for development. A realistic view helps each team member to find the role that best utilises their skills.

Does SmoothTeam have a research background?

The performance of the simulations is based on research data, and the variables underlying the simulations have been collected from various studies and literature. SmoothTeam's research background and scientific rigour is ensured by our lead facilitator Eija Lehtonen. Eija is a doctoral researcher at the University of Tampere, studying, for example, the relationship between the development of expertise and job satisfaction.

We have also commissioned two pro-graduate theses:

Koskelin, M. (2017). Team development with game-based simulation and its impact on individual performance and team's transactive memory. Pro graduate thesis. University of Helsinki.

Nokso-Koivisto, H-R. (2016). Windows to group learning in a game-based exercise: a case study of group role identification and interaction development using a team building tool. Pro graduate thesis. University of Tampere.

We published a poster at a conference on network research in the Netherlands in 2018:

Nokso-Koivisto, A., Heikkilä, J., & Luoto, L. (2018). SNA data collection through gamification: an example. XXXVII Sunbelt Conference, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Talking about team members' aspirations, strengths and personal characteristics changes the way team members interpret each other's behaviour. Better understanding can help avoid misunderstandings and undue tensions, while improving team cohesion and the team's willingness to work together.

Research has shown that team effectiveness depends, among other things, on trust between team members, relationships, a positive atmosphere, team cohesion and the team's transactive memory, i.e. the team's understanding of who knows and controls what. These develop through working together, but they can be accelerated effectively with SmoothTeam. Through simulation, the team's self-awareness increases and many insights are generated to improve team performance.

In the SmoothTeam simulation, team members' self-assessments are compared with the perceptions of other team members and their assessments in a game environment. As a result of the exercise, team members and the leader learn how each sees themselves and each other. Through discussions during the exercise, the team will be able to identify their strengths and areas for development.

Do you provide training on how to use your tool?

In which languages is the tool available?

All our simulations are available in Finnish, English and Swedish, most of them also in German. If you need a simulation in another language, please contact us.

SmoothTeam Ltd

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