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FULL STRATEGY EXPERIENCE GAME

Changing games’ FSEG

http://www.changing-games.nl

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CHANGING GAME



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The FSEG offers you the experience of a full strategic cycle in a short period of time.

Business strategy has many faces. There are theories and the encounters with reality. Theory aims at a science-like level of control on events. In practice competitors aim to frustrate all your plans in favor of theirs. Therefor, unlike laws of science, a mathematic formula for success in business does not exist, nor will it ever do so.

The only way to fully master strategy is not to stop after reading the books, but by also doing it. That is what the FSEG is all about, in not more than one day.

FSEG = Full Strategy Experience Game

The full game offers people interested in strategy trainings or workshops an intens practical experience. It also offers young/high potentials the possibility to not only show their capabilities in designing and presenting a strategy, but also tests their flexibility and adaptability when implementing it.

For experienced management teams the full game offers a good way for a deeper, different and fun way in dealing with strategy. For example in case you are looking for setting up a team-building session and/or paving the way for the next strategy cycle.

The individual modules of the FSEG can also be applied within projects dealing with strategy, leadership, communication, team performance, etc., etc.

The FSEG by Changing Games

Over the years we have been involved in strategy; some of us in business, some in the military. What connects us is our love for strategy and wargames that dates back to our college years.

We started Changing Games because we realized that combining our experiences, both professionally and in our hobby, with our passion for gaming would allow us to share an experience that business hasn’t experienced before.

PREFACE



During one of our hobby weekends we were driving to dinner. It had been an intense game and we were running late for the reservation that had been made.

As we talked someone mentioned how he had a fierce discussion on strategy at work. To cut that long story short we concluded: if only those guys had played wargames like us. The obvious response: why not make it happen!?

After we agreed to go and do it, the obvious next question was: how do we connect business and military strategy in a single game? It turned out to be very simple because the reasons, concepts and most of the tooling are the same, or at least very similar even if called differently.

“If only they had played wargames…”

People learn best outside their comfort zone and yet enjoy doing so.

A key design feature was that the experience should be as intense as possible. We place the players outside the day-to-day realities of business into a historic campaign of 200 years ago. Then they are asked to develop a strategy, survive and come out on top. They are allowed to take the tried and tested business strategy tools with them but need to apply them to outperform none other than Napoleon.

The game is close to the games that we design for our hobby weekends. It is not only fun and challenging, but also accessible and easily playable for business people.

The FSEG by Changing Games

Twice a year we have a weekend long get-together. For each a unique strategic and/or tactical game is prepared from scratch. The challenge for designing these games is that they have to be fun, challenging and playable by a group that will go all out, for sure, while being managed by the game master.

In Changing Games we combine our professional experience with a 25 year long history in designing and managing our serious games.

THE ORIGINAL IDEA



Module 1: mission statementsNapoleon’s mission statement of march 1815, and why it worked.

Module 2: strategy modelsApplying modern business strategy models to Napoleon

Module 3a: to business!Why do a full strategic analysis? Act now! Or…?

Module 3b: team buildingAll for one, and one for all. The ideal team. But is this always the case?

What possibilities are in a complete or partial FSEG?

Module 3c: communicationCommunication under time pressure, stress, unclarity & uncertainty.

Module 3d: team communicationTwo teams at a distance, two assignments, one goal.

Module 4a: the full gameFrom mission, to planning, to implementation.

Module 4b: learning von ClausewitzVom Kriege for business strategy.

Content

The Full Strategy Experience Game (FSEG) contains three modules and an after action review. Each module can be used independently and for different purposes. It is also possible to further customize each module or even the full game to fit specific needs.

ALL THE OPTIONS



The assignmentNapoleon knew why he returned to France and how to accomplish his aim. On march 5th 1815 he send out a proclamation to the army.

We have cut this proclamation into its individual sentences. The players must distribute these over the 4 elements of the Ashridge mission model. By so matching the parts of the text to these elements the purpose, strategy, norms & behavior and the values enclosed in it come forward.

The historic context is then used to show why this proclamation was so effective.

Napoleon’s mission statement of march 1815, and why it worked

Game steps1. Introduction of the historic situation2. Game explanation 3. Game play4. After action review

Requirements• 30 to 45 minutes• up to 6 players (per team)

Alternatives• Mission statement(s) of well known

companies• Mission statement of the own

organization• Combinations of the module with any

of the alternatives

Module 1

Napoleon’s proclamation to the army of march 5th, 1815 is effectively a mission statement avant la lettre. All the four elements (Purpose, Strategy, Norms & Behaviors and Values) of the Ashridge mission statement model are present. More importantly, it did exactly what a mission statement is supposed to do.

MISSION STATEMENTS



The assignmentIt is march 20, 1815 and Napoleon has just returned to Paris. Louis XVIII has fled the city. Napoleon seems to be in control of France once more. However, the allies have declared war on him. What is the best strategy that allows Napoleon to be and remain emperor of France?

The players must gather all possible information, assess Napoleon’s situation, judge it, decide and propose the best strategy that will allow Napoleon to remain emperor of France. The players use the Resource Based View of the firm model and a full SWOT analysis.

The strategic plan of the players is then presented to the group.

Applying modern business strategy models to Napoleon

Game steps1. Introduction of what went before2. Players receive their mission3. Players receive some information in

the form of ministerial portfolios4. RBV analysis5. SWOT analysis6. Players formulate and answer the

SWOT strategic questions7. Make it SMART8. Players present their strategic plan

Requirements• 1 to 2 hours• up to 6 players (per team)

Alternatives• Any other business strategy model, or

models.

Module 2

Strategy models may sometimes feel as giving the expected results, so why use them? Seeing the true workings and value of strategy models comes to light when applying them to unfamiliar or unexpected situations. For example, what if you apply them to the situation of Napoleon in 1815?

STRATEGY MODELS



The assignmentThe players represent Marshal Ney and his staff. It is June 1, 1815 and they have just been placed in command of L’Armée du Nord because Napoleon fell horribly ill. The army has been concentrated to the north for an offensive against the allied armies (Anglo-Dutch and Prussian) located in the low countries. More allied armies (Russians and Austrians) are on the way, probably for an invasion of France from the east. Napoleon’s exact plans were not well explained, which is not unusual.

You must take the offensive and defeat the allied armies facing you to the north. The fate of Napoleon as emperor of France is in your hands. His fate is your fate.

Why do a full strategic analysis? Act now! Or…?

Game steps1. Brief introduction of what went before2. Game mechanisms explained3. Players quickly create campaign plan4. Game play5. After action review

Requirements• 2 to 3 hours• up to 6 players

Module 3a

Often the situation looks clear cut. Or we find ourselves in a tight spot. There is also the pressure of the day to day business. No time to lose. Act now! Or should we?

How well is a team capable of winning a campaign without proper preparations? This module puts their improvisation skills to the test.

TO BUSINESS!



The assignmentIt is June 1, 1815. The players represent Napoleon and his army commanders. After an extensive strategic analysis it has been decided to attack to the allied armies located in the Low Countries. It is high risk, but the only realistic option.

The aim is to obtain a quick, decisive and great military victory. This should force the allies back to the negotiation table.

The player representing Napoleon either wins or loses. His team members must carefully weight their options. For every success they bring they receive imperial gratification points. These help in case Napoleon wins, they are a burden when he loses.

All for one, and one for all. The ideal team. But is this always the case?

Game steps1. Select one player as Napoleon2. Game mechanisms explained3. Personal scoring system explained4. Full strategy and mission briefing5. Players create campaign plan6. Game play7. After action review

Requirements• 3 to 4 hours• up to 6 players

Module 3b

In 1815 the situation for Napoleon was simple: win or be exiled. His army commanders, however, faced a different situation.

Napoleon rewarded support and succes well. On the other hand in 1815 the risk of him losing was real. If this happend and Louis XVIII returned everyone who had again supported Napoleon would need to answer the King once more. Most likely he would be less forgiving this time.

TEAM BUILDING



The assignmentIt is the summer of 1863. The players represent General Lee and the various commanders of the Confederate army in its ultimate bid to bring the Union army to battle and defeat it. This in turn should bring the Union to the negotiation table and end the american civil war.

The players must coordinate the individual divisions and army corps while separated from each other, like their historic counterparts were.

All communication proceeds via the game masters. Players may only talk directly when their units are in the same location. They will only know what they can know and must share information, give orders and act.

Communication under time pressure, stress, unclarity & uncertainty

Game steps1. Players receive their roles2. Game mechanisms explained3. Personal scoring system explained4. Full strategy and mission briefing5. Players create campaign plan6. Game play7. After action review

Requirements• 3 to 4 hours• 10 to 20 players

Module 3c

Is a team that is separated able to uphold effective communications and be effective when facing an utterly chaotic environment?

This module is based on the Gettysburg campaign in the american civil war.

COMMUNICATION



The assignmentIt is May 1815. In the Low Countries two allied armies (Anglo-Dutch and Prussian) are preparing for the invasion of France. They are ordered to wait until the Austrian and Russian armies have arrived at the Rhine, which is not expected until June 1st.

There are two teams that are separated. One team represents the Duke of Wellington and his staff commanding the Anglo-Dutch army. The other team represents Blucher and his staff commanding the Prussian army.

Each army has orders from its own government. They need to communicate in order to cooperate.

Two teams at a distance, two assignments, one goal.

Game steps1. Players receive their roles2. Game mechanisms explained3. Full strategy and mission briefing4. Players create campaign plan5. Game play6. After action review

Requirements• 3 to 4 hours• 4 to 8 players

Module 3d

Email is today the workhorse of communication within organizations. It realizes the quick transmission of messages over large distances.

200 years ago the transmission of such messages literally used horses for the transmission. Despite the large difference in speed the nature and clarity of these communications wasn’t that different.

Are two teams, with their own and a common target, able to communicate effectively via (e/h)mail in a situation of uncertainty, high risk and time pressure?

TEAM COMMUNICATION



The assignmentOn the evening of February 26, 1815 Napoleon escaped from exile. Following what today is the route Napoleon he came to Paris and in control of France once more. Upon learning of his escape the major European powers immediately declared war on Napoleon.

The players take to role of Napoleon. They first establish what the exact mission of Napoleon was. Then analyse the situation and judge it using well now business strategy tool and models. From this they formulate a strategy.

The strategic plan of the players is then implemented while receiving counter play by the game masters.

From mission, to planning, to implementation.

Game steps1. Brief introduction of what went before2. Module 13. Module 24. Module 3a, except that Napoleon

remains in command5. After action review

Requirements• 1/2 to 1 day• up to 6 players

Alternatives• The full game can also be played

using module 3b or 3d (using french army commanders

• For larger groups some or all of the modules can be played in parallel.

Module 4a

The Full Strategy Experience Game takes the players through an entire strategic cycle. Starting with establishing the mission they then have to make a strategic plan and put that plan into action.

This game allows players to experience the importance of thorough planning together with the importance of flexibility and adaptability during implementation.

THE FULL GAME



Business strategy is developing quickly today. Exciting new models, new insights and new best practices appear every year. But how new is new, really?

Strategy originates from the political-military field and many new insights in business can be linked to older equivalents. One author in particular stands out in this respect: Carl von Clausewitz who put his insights on paper nearly 200 years ago.

The problem with his book on strategy is that it is very big and extremely difficult to read. Even painful when you ask army officers, but they must go through the ordeal.

Vom Kriege for business strategy.

To this day von Clausewitz is must-read, must-know and must-understand material for all future army leaders because the book “vom Kriege” is the single most outstanding work on strategy for the military… and business leaders.

But how do you get into to this as a busy leader running a business?

The GameThis module uses the full game (module 4a), but with the key strategy concepts from “vom Kriege” explicitly present.

Requirements• 1 day• up to 6 players

Module 4b

This setup of the FSEG is a game that shows all the key concepts of “vom Kriege” and allows you to experience those in a life and active setting, rather than passively reading the book.

The game is based on a historic political-military scenario in which Carl von Clausewitz himself was present and that likely also shaped his thinking.

Reflecting on the game will allow you to project the insights onto your business and improve your strategy.

LEARNING VON CLAUSEWITZ



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