Tag: Learning-RPG

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A Weekend of Gaming, Friendship, and Leadership Development

Last month, twelve of my friends gathered for MartyCon 2024. This weekend gaming extravaganza transcended mere entertainment to become an immersive experience in camaraderie and even leadership development. MartyCon, named in honor of its founder Marty, brought together enthusiasts of various games for a weekend of epic adventures.

What was MartyCon?

Attendees were spoiled for choice with a diverse array of gaming sessions to participate in. There was something for everyone. From classic RPGs in the vein of Dungeons & Dragons to intricate miniature battles set in fantastical worlds. Attendees had the freedom to pick and choose which games they wanted to partake in. Giving each participant an experience tailored to their interests and time commitment.

What made the MartyCon weekend truly special was the blend of competitive and collaborative games. In one session, players found themselves thrust into a game where each had secret objectives. This forced them to form alliances, make calculated moves, and pursue objectives with limited information. The dynamic nature of this game fostered intense strategizing and negotiation among players, leading to memorable moments of triumph and betrayal.

Serious strategizing.

Another session involved players trying to escape a mining planet in the midst of a revolt. Although the games master used the horror RPG Those Dark Places, he also had us all out of our seats hunting the grounds of our accommodation. Hidden QR codes then led us towards building lego models under extreme time pressure. Failure meant our characters would be left to rot on a hostile planet. Interestingly, no one took the lead. Instead, with a clear goal in mind (escaping the planet), the participants all worked together seamlessly to build our escape craft.

A different game was based in Dolmenwood a fantasy world based on the folklore of the British Isles. One of the things that made this game so unique was the lethality of the system. Characters could die with ease. After a near death experience at the hands of an ogre the players started to work more closely together. Utilizing skills and tactics to uncover the mystery and defeat the big bad and his zombie pets. (That’s a story for another time).

MartyCon, a Blueprint for Leadership Development?

The parallels between the gaming experience at MartyCon and leadership development are striking. Much like in a leadership scenario, participants had to navigate complex social dynamics, forge alliances, and make decisions with incomplete information. Of course, the game where players had secret objectives particularly mirrored real-life leadership challenges. Where individuals must balance their own objectives with the needs of the group.

Imagine a day where different game types could be utilized to cultivate various leadership skills. Picture networking with your leadership cohort, immersing yourselves in different gaming scenarios, and using each experience as an opportunity to learn and grow. Through gaming, participants could sharpen their communication, negotiation, and decision-making skills—essential qualities for effective leadership.

Moreover, the MartyCon weekend provided a platform for attendees to build meaningful connections with their peers. Just as in a professional setting, collaboration and teamwork were essential for success in many of the games. Participants had the chance to work together, strategize, and celebrate victories as a cohesive unit. Ultimately, these shared experiences fostered bonds that transcended the gaming table, laying the foundation for lasting friendships and professional relationships.

Ambush, betrayal? All of the above!

Final Thoughts on the MartyCon Weekend

Traditional methods of leadership development often rely on lectures and simulations, but MartyCon demonstrates the power of experiential learning through gaming. By immersing participants in dynamic, challenging scenarios, gaming can serve as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.

As MartyCon 2024 came to a close, attendees departed with fond memories of epic battles, thrilling adventures, and new friendships. Yet, perhaps more importantly, they left with valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration, and adaptability. MartyCon stands as a testament to the transformative potential of gaming—a realm where fantasy and reality converge, and where leaders are forged through adventure.

Massive thanks to everyone who organized, ran games and participated. I cant wait for MartyCon 2025!

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The Dungeon Master’s Guide to Running Awesome Meetings

It was pointed out me the other day that playing a game of Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) is a great way to get you running awesome meetings at work. As you’ll read, the parallels are uncanny. In this post, we’ll delve into how the practical aspects of running a D&D session can be translated into effective meeting management techniques that lead to effective and productive workplace gatherings.

Preparation is Key

In D&D, a well-prepared Dungeon Master (DM) ensures a smooth and engaging gameplay experience for the players. The same concept applies to running meetings. As such, proper preparation is the foundation of a successful meeting.

Here’s how D&D-inspired preparation can help:

a) Define clear objectives: Just as a DM sets the adventure’s goals and objectives, you should establish clear meeting objectives. What do you want to achieve? What are the key takeaways?

b) Create an agenda: Much like outlining the session’s storyline, create a detailed agenda with time allocations for each agenda item. Stick to it to maintain focus and efficiency.

c) Know your audience: In D&D, the DM tailors the game to the players’ preferences. Similarly, understand your meeting participants’ needs and tailor the content to make it relevant and engaging for them.

Encouraging participation is important for both D&D and workplace meetings

Engage and Empower Participants

D&D’s collaborative nature promotes engagement and empowerment among players. The most memorable games are when the players take center stage and have agency in the outcome of the adventure. In your meetings, the same principles can foster participation and decision-making.

Consider these practical approaches:

a) Encourage participation: Similar to players actively engaging in the game world, create opportunities for participants to contribute during the meeting. Encourage open discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and feedback.

b) Delegate responsibilities: In D&D, party members have specific roles. In meetings, assign roles or responsibilities to participants to make them feel invested and accountable for the meeting’s success. For instance, designate a timekeeper, note-taker, or discussion leader.

c) Empower decision-making: Just as players make crucial in-game decisions, allow participants to have a say in important matters during the meeting. Encourage consensus-building and gather input to arrive at well-informed decisions.

Adaptability in D&D directly correlates to being flexible in meetings

Adapt and Manage the Flow

In D&D, the game’s flow can change dynamically based on players’ choices. Adapting to these changes is a vital DM skill. In meetings, the ability to manage the flow and adapt to unexpected developments is equally essential.

Practical applications include:

a) Stay flexible: Just as a DM adapts to players’ choices, be flexible during the meeting. If the discussion veers off track or a new issue arises, address it without derailing the entire meeting.

b) Time management: Keep a close eye on time, much like a DM managing a gaming session’s pacing. Ensure that discussions don’t overrun, and use time management techniques to keep the meeting on schedule.

c) Summarize and document: After a D&D session, the DM often summarizes the events and updates the campaign notes. Similarly, at the end of a meeting, recap key points, decisions, and action items, and ensure these are documented and distributed to participants.

Final Thoughts on Running Awesome Meetings

Dungeons and Dragons offers practical insights for running awesome meetings at work. By applying D&D-inspired principles like thorough preparation, engaging and empowering participants, and adaptability in managing the flow, you can elevate your meeting management skills to facilitate more productive and efficient workplace gatherings. So, embrace the Dungeon Master within you, and lead your team through epic meetings that achieve their objectives and keep everyone engaged and motivated.