Despite the popularity of other complex learning tools like AI, AR, and VR, many Talent Development professionals still have significant objections to using digital business simulations to build skills. From cost concerns to fears about complexity, these objections can deter organizations from embracing the incredible value digital business simulations deliver to audiences in need of these skills and organizations fighting to achieve success in a very tough global business environment.
At Advantexe, we’ve heard it all. We know what it’s like to sit in meetings where decision-makers worry about technical hurdles, security risks, or whether employees will actually engage. But here’s the thing, these objections are all solvable, and the benefits of business simulation-centric learning far outweigh the challenges.
To help you navigate these concerns, we’ve compiled the top 10 objections and potential responses to utilizing digital business simulations in your talent development programs.
1) High Cost
Objection: "Simulations are expensive to develop and implement."
Response: When it comes to business simulations, there are off-the-shelf, tailored, and bespoke options available. The key is defining the right solution for your needs and budget and leveraging existing platforms and tools to manage costs effectively. The long-term ROI is substantial. Simulations improve decision-making, reduce training time, and boost retention, making them a cost-effective solution in the long run.
2) Time-Consuming
Objection: "It takes too long to learn and use the simulation."
Response: We have developed simulations from 30 minutes to multi-day tools. Well-designed simulations are intentionally flexible and can be modified for a variety of timeframes and delivery modalities.
3) Technical Barriers
Objection: "Our employees aren’t tech-savvy enough to use a simulation."
Response: If you can use the web, you can use a simulation. Advantexe simulations are built to be user-friendly, with intuitive interfaces that make usage easy. They also promote discovery learning, allowing participants to experiment and explore in real-time. By mirroring real- scenarios, simulations provide hands-on experience in handling and reading data, making them ideal tools for enhancing both decision-making skills and business acumen.
4) Customization Options
Objection: "The simulation won’t address our unique challenges."
Response: Customization is a cornerstone of modern simulations. Because of the flexibility of web-based design tools, they can be tailored to reflect specific industries, market conditions, and organizational needs to ensure relevance and applicability quickly and cost-efficiently.
5) Lack of Relevance
Objection: "The scenarios don’t reflect real-world situations we face."
Response: Simulation “stories” or scenarios can be designed or adjusted to mirror the exact challenges your organization encounters. This could be industry-specific or functionally specific to ensure the simulation feels directly relevant to your team’s work. Additionally, "wobblers" can be integrated into the simulation. A wobbler is an unexpected event or challenge, like market shifts or internal disruptions, that tests decision-making under uncertainty.
6) Resistance to Change
Objection: "We’ve always done traditional training, and it works."
Response: Simulations don’t replace traditional training; they enhance it. They add interactivity, engagement, and PRACTICE, making learning more impactful and memorable.
7) Perceived Complexity
Objection: "The simulation seems too complex to be effective."
Response: Simulations are designed with varying levels of complexity to suit different audiences. Whether it’s a beginner’s course or advanced leadership training, there’s a solution for all levels.
8) Lack of Measurable Outcomes
Objection: "It’s hard to measure the impact of simulations on performance."
Response: Simulations track key metrics such as decision-making accuracy, financial outcomes, and participant feedback, providing clear, measurable results. The data can also be used to track team and cohort performance, highlighting areas for further development and remediation, ensuring that learning is aligned with your goals and progress is continually optimized.
9) Technical Requirements
Objection: "Our systems or devices can’t support a simulation."
Response: Advantexe digital simulations are cloud-based, requiring minimal technical infrastructure and running seamlessly on standard web browsers. In addition, many simulations are team-based and do not require capturing or storing personal user data, which ensures a high level of security. The data gathered in a simulation is focused on performance metrics, so your organization can track team and cohort results without compromising privacy or security.
10) Risk of Failure
Objection: "What if the simulation doesn’t resonate or engage our team?"
Response: Simulations offer highly interactive learning. There is no passive page-turning, 1000 PowerPoint slides, or video-watching. They immerse participants in decision-making and problem-solving. To get the word out, reduce apprehension, and highlight their effectiveness, we see clients conducting pilot programs, writing success stories, and sharing testimonials to build credibility.
Conclusion
While digital business simulations might not have the buzz of AI or VR right now, their simplicity, scalability, and proven effectiveness make them invaluable tools for learning and development. By addressing these common objections, we at Advantexe help organizations unlock the potential of simulation-centric learning to deliver results that are impactful, measurable, and tailored to real-world needs.