Business Simulation Articles & Insights

Thoughts on commercial judgement, business simulation and experiential learning from over 30 years of developing and delivering simulations.

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Commercial Judgement
Business Simulation
Leadership
Commercial Acumen
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Anamorphic pavement chalk artwork showing a realistic chasm, illustrating how changing perspective changes what we see in business and commercial judgement.

Perspective changes everything

The business hasn't changed. Only the perspective. Why better commercial judgement depends on seeing more than one side of the same decision.

harveysykes

5 days ago2 min read

Topographical map illustrating different perspectives and commercial judgement when analysing the same business.

Why we don’t all see the same business

Everyone receives the same information, yet they don't all inherit the same business. Discover why different perspectives are one of the foundations of better commercial judgement.

harveysykes

5 days ago2 min read

Motorcycle racer waits on the Isle of Man TT start line moments before the race begins, illustrating pressure, decision making and commercial judgement under stress.

How Pressure Changes Decision Making

Pressure doesn't create our habits of judgement. It makes them easier to see. Here's why that matters for leaders, teams and organisations.

harveysykes

5 days ago2 min read

Parent helping a child learn to ride a bicycle, illustrating learning through experience

The First Consequence Is Rarely the Last

Good commercial judgement isn't just about anticipating the first consequence of a decision. Every decision changes a system, creating new consequences, trade-offs and opportunities. The best decision-makers learn to ask a simple question: "And then what?"

harveysykes

5 days ago2 min read

School pupil sawing a piece of timber in a woodworking class, illustrating how experience develops judgement.

Why experience develops judgement better than information

Why do some lessons stay with us for life while others are quickly forgotten? Discover why experience develops judgement better than information, and what that means for commercial learning.

harveysykes

Jul 232 min read

Business simulation performance reports, financial analysis and handwritten notes used by a team to review commercial decisions.

How Business Simulations Develop Commercial Acumen

Business simulations compress years of commercially meaningful experience into hours, helping participants connect decisions with consequences and develop commercial acumen.

harveysykes

Jul 232 min read

Facilitator leading a business simulation performance review while participants analyse financial results and discuss commercial decisions.

What makes a good business simulation?

A good business simulation is more than software. Discover the principles that create commercially realistic experiences, meaningful decisions and lasting commercial judgement.

harveysykes

Jul 233 min read

No U-turn road sign with supplementary sign reading "For 3 days", illustrating the difficulty of changing direction under pressure.

When it’s too difficult to change your mind

Intelligent leaders don't always fail because they lack information. Sometimes they fail because changing direction feels too difficult. A business simulation revealed why.

harveysykes

Jul 212 min read

Empty training room after a business simulation workshop with round tables, presentation screen and flipchart.

The worst feedback I've ever had

The worst feedback I've ever received became one of the best learning experiences I've ever designed. Why at times, participant satisfaction and meaningful learning aren't always the same thing.

harveysykes

Jul 192 min read

Formula 2 engineers reviewing performance data to improve performance and decision making.

Good business simulations do two things well

Good business simulations don't replace teaching—they do something different. By combining realistic decisions with meaningful consequences, they create experiences that help people develop commercial judgement rather than simply acquire knowledge.

harveysykes

Jul 161 min read

Air traffic controller managing aircraft at night, representing commercial judgement and decision making.

Why Good Business Simulations Alternate Between Complexity and Simplicity

Good business simulations don't simplify business. They help participants make sense of its complexity. By alternating between immersive decision making and thoughtful reflection, understanding develops one cycle at a time.

harveysykes

Jul 162 min read

Employee packing personal belongings after a company acquisition while colleagues discuss integration plans in the background.

Information Explains, Experience Persuades

Information can explain a business issue, but experience creates emotional understanding. Discover why business simulations produce deeper learning than presentations alone.

harveysykes

Jul 152 min read