Manipulators, you’re often focused on getting what you want…but sometimes what you want is for things to get done! Is it possible you could use your powers for good instead of villainy?
Mission Title: Game On
Objectives: Get something finished or boost engagement by leveraging your colleagues’ desire to WIN!
Players: At least two: you, and your target(s)
Playbox materials: variable, depending on your plan.
How to play:
Gamification refers to incorporating game-like elements and mechanics into contexts that aren’t literally games to achieve a goal. Think awarding points and scores, leaderboards, setting challenges, badges, or establishing teams. Especially where intrinsic motivation to do something may be low (mandatory online training, anyone?) a little extrinsic motivation might make the difference!
1. Identify your goal. What is it that you want other colleagues to do (or not do, or do more often)?
2. Within your available power and resources, identify how could you change that thing to make it more like a game, and to introduce some visible element of achievement, challenge, or competition. Consider which options might motivate your colleagues most.
3. Implement your idea!
4. Use your charm and wiles to sell this idea to your colleagues as a new opportunity for fun, benefit, or showing how great they are.
Examples:
- Offer a prize draw for completing an important feedback survey
- Create a leaderboard for department meeting or seminar attendance
- Earn points for using active travel to work, recycling electronic waste, or another sustainability initiative
Bonus level:
Dial up your manipulation skills by using the extensive academic literature on gamification. Other people have already invested the time to find out what works best, and it’s yours for the taking!