Otherwise they may not resolve in the long term

Crossing a desert, find it and back to camp after bravé weather and unforeseen events. Last September, 50 commercial SSII Econocom are loaned to the game. Unusual, the exercise, dubbed "The gold of the Kings of the desert" and designed by the Organization of training Eagle's Flight, was yet not so far from their activity: "the scenario corresponded to what they lived on a daily basis: the desert, it was the crisis; the mountains, the clients to conquer... ", says Loïc Braye, Director commercial of Econocom. The idea "R edynamiser teams in a playful manner and strengthen synergies for win in performance", he says.

That day, researchers apprentices of Econocom gold measured the importance of a solid method in the turmoil. Especially, the episode remobilized troops and increased their confidence according to Loïc Braye, in the direction of the company. A rare feeling at the time, a survey TNS Sofres for Altedia, 61 of French workers believe that the interests of the leaders and collaborators "will not in the same direction."

Unique experience

Crisis of confidence, demobilization of the teams, lack of cohesion or enthusiasm, the bleak background has left traces on the morale of the staff. Thus, Canon to Vivendi, some employers emphasize now staggered methods to get their messages. Their bet: workers, brought in a field that they have not, are taken by surprise, abandon their reflexes and realize that what they thought impossible is perhaps not. Witness Walter Cacace, Director General of Mistigriff, a 360 people SME marketing of brands at broken prices. Guided by nuggets of Art, its seven executives, maracas and tambourines in hands, have had to the raised foot, forming an orchestra for a concert. "For months, I was trying to introduce a change of strategy for Mistigriff develops further, but I was not followed, remembers Walter Cacace." Once the concert finished, everything was different. They had succeeded. And this caused a spark. "In fact, in the second half of 2009, net sales jumped 16.

For its part, Canon France wanted to accept a change in wage policy in its 200 commercial. "Previously, when we had to evolve their compensation, it not was very well lived." "Some of our best items were gone," said Ariel Oliel, commercial Director, who called to the rescue MultiComédie. The time of a seminar, 80 business leaders found themselves in unknown circumstances (they had to design a play) and permanent change (once the piece is mounted, they were to write a second). "The experience proved them that they were able to grasp new situations and bounce", analysis Philippe Coste, Associate Director of MultiComédie. At the time, "they have made the promotion of the new remuneration system, which this time was very well accepted", adds Ariel Oliel.

Why this type of learning seems to work there where conventional formations fail First, consider the professionals, the playful approach takes precedence over fears a few hours. And then, "This creates a common experience, a unique experience which it reminds of the month after, observes Guy Bergeaud, who runs Eagle's Flight." "And contrary to an afternoon of karting and archery, which will be that distracting, the lessons learned are transferable in a professional world." Because, in his view, if the form is playful, the bottom is very serious. Stéphanie Palazzi, doctor psychiatrist, emits, however, some reservations: "Should we not able to build a team around a common goal, create cohesion or still work on resistance job, without having to pass through a sham as the game" This raises questions about the capacity manager, dialogue or sending a message. "These staggered formations can she complement traditional methods, but must not fill gaps by substituting the animation team or internal communication. "Otherwise, they may not resolve in the long term."

Yet, creativity comes to the relief of problems in any kind. A year ago, when the merger between nine and SFR, Vivendi has appealed to a... conjurer. The objective: Hunt received ideas and encourage 50 managers the direction of innovation, from two companies, working together. "At first blush, they felt that it would be difficult." "At the end of the day, the issue over", note Jean-Louis Mounier, in charge of innovation at Vivendi. In Pierre & Vacances, it is painting that brought the 23 responsible employees of a large internal site: "achieve a fresco of four metres on two, in a short time, was a true challenge... as is the current project", is Alice Rizzo, Director of craft projects.

Employers uncomfortable

But exercise may have limits. "The risk is that it sometimes infantilizing employees." "However, in times of crisis, when the work is difficult, this may have something embarrassing, or even of indecent", continues Stéphanie Palazzi.

In 2009, the turnover of nuggets of Art and Eagle's Flight melted 20-30. Both companies dropped their prices, but the requests are made more modest: the trend is towards small groups, with a focus on strategic functions (Top 50, managers or the commercial because it must generate the turnover) and the lights of the business issues. Result, the average budget dropped from 5,000 to 2,500 euros per event. In a time of budgetary restrictions, the idea of investing in playful training makes some bad employers uncomfortable. "It is the paradox," notes Patrick Moreau, Director of nuggets of Art. It tightens the valves while it is precisely in the current context that employees have the most need to increase cohesion. "Yet it remains confident: on here two to three years, ensures, this type of education took precedence over conventional formations.