What are strategy games?
Strategy games are activities that require planning, decision-making, and the efficient use of resources to achieve a predetermined objective. In these games, participants must anticipate opponents’ moves or solve complex problems in a structured environment, which involves a high level of analysis and foresight. Their main purpose is to develop cognitive, emotional, and managerial skills through the practice of problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork.
In the business world, strategy games can be used to foster the development of key competencies, such as time management, effective communication, and decision-making under pressure. There are different types of strategy games, ranging from traditional ones, like board games (chess, Risk) and card games (poker), to modern dynamics such as escape rooms and group activities designed for companies. While traditional games focus on long-term planning and resource management, modern dynamics include elements of collaboration, creativity, and quick problem-solving.
Managerial skills strengthened through strategy games
Strategy games are an excellent tool for the development of managerial skills. Through different activities, such as those we organize at Starmice—especially escape rooms—the following competencies can be strengthened: 
Decision-making
Strategy games require participants to plan and anticipate possible future moves. In an escape room, players must make quick decisions with limited information, similar to the situations managers face in their daily work. This experience improves their ability to analyze variables and choose the best option at critical moments.
Problem-solving
Challenges found in strategy games—such as puzzles or dilemmas—are an excellent way to refine problem-solving skills. In an escape room, teams must face unexpected situations and find creative solutions under pressure, strengthening their ability to tackle complex obstacles in the workplace.
Leadership and teamwork
Strategy games allow participants to work together and bring out natural leaders. In an escape room, teams must coordinate and collaborate to achieve the objectives within a limited time. This dynamic reinforces leadership, motivation, and team-management skills, all essential for any manager.
Critical thinking
Analyzing complex situations in a limited time is a common aspect of strategy games. In escape rooms, employees must quickly evaluate clues and make informed decisions, fostering the development of critical thinking—a crucial skill for effective decision-making in any company.
The long-term benefits of strategy games in companies
Strategy games offer long-term benefits for companies, helping develop crucial managerial skills such as leadership, communication, and decision-making. One of the main impacts is the promotion of greater team cohesion, as these activities require participants to work together toward a common goal. According to studies by the Harvard Business Review, companies that promote strategic group activities see a 15% increase in team collaboration.
Additionally, strategy games are effective tools for improving leadership and internal communication. Through the simulation of high-pressure situations, employees learn to delegate tasks and communicate ideas more efficiently. A McKinsey study reveals that companies with leaders who have developed these skills report a 20% increase in job satisfaction.
Another key benefit is the improvement in conflict resolution and problem-solving capacity. Strategy games provide a safe environment to practice decision-making in complex situations, which translates into greater agility in resolving business challenges.
How to integrate strategy games into managerial training
Integrating strategy games into managerial skills training is a great way to enhance leadership, communication, and decision-making. To begin, companies can incorporate these dynamics into their development programs through regular sessions that simulate high-pressure situations. These activities allow managers to practice problem-solving, improve team cohesion, and encourage collaboration.
The first step is to identify the key areas that need development within the company. From there, it is essential to select strategy games that align with those objectives. Starmice offers personalized services, adapting the dynamics to the specific needs and challenges of each team. From escape rooms to strategic experiences in simulated environments, Starmice designs programs that maximize learning and strengthen managerial skills in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
At Starmice, we have a wide variety of activities that can be essential for generating and enhancing managerial skills within a company. As you’ve seen throughout this post, these skills are very important for managing work teams.
Do you want to know which activities may be the best option to boost these skills? Don’t worry. You can contact us and we will provide the best advice so you can choose the activity that best fits your team.
