Using D&D as a Sales Training Tool
In our previous article, we discussed the corporate skills that can be learned through playing Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). From critical thinking and problem-solving to teamwork and communication, the lessons learned through playing D&D can be applied to the corporate world. In this article, we will explore how D&D can be used as a sales training tool.
Improvisation and Problem Solving
No matter how good your sales script is, sooner or later a potential customer is going to ask you something you’re not prepared for. When that time comes, your ability to answer confidently and clearly might be the difference between a sale and a fail.
Improvisation is one of the core pillars of D&D gameplay. You will be put into unusual scenarios with little to no prep, and your ability to navigate them relies on your ability to make quick decisions. As with any other skill, improvisation can be practised and developed. D&D and similar TTRPG’s give players an environment to train their improvisation skills in a low stakes environment, so that when the time comes to make that sales call they’ll be all the more ready for it.
Role-Playing
One of the most effective sales training tools out there is to have salespeople role-play as customers. This involves creating scenarios where the salesperson must interact with a potential customer and convince them to make a purchase. Through role-playing, salespeople can practise their communication skills and learn how to overcome objections.
But such a tool is no good if the roleplaying feels unnatural. If you’re unable to realistically convey a customer, or empathise with them enough, you run the risk of undermining the exercise. And, frankly, role-playing isn’t something people do often. Chances are, it’s going to feel awkward.
D&D is a game that gently encourages roleplay in a fun and controlled environment. Your team can practise their skills at stepping into other characters, before they get to the important business of trying to apply that skill to sales training.
Team Building and Collaboration
D&D is a collaborative game that requires players to work together to achieve a common goal. This is a valuable lesson for sales teams who often work together to close deals. Through playing D&D, salespeople can learn how to communicate effectively with their team members, delegate tasks, and work towards a common goal.
Learning to Listen
One of the most important skills for salespeople is the ability to listen. By listening to their customers, salespeople can better understand their needs and offer solutions that meet those needs.
In D&D, players must listen to the Game Master (GM) in order to understand the game and make decisions. They must listen to their teammates so that they can better strategise and make up for each others shortfalls. They must pay attention to sometimes subtle cues in the storytelling, to know when they might be in danger, or when they might be being lied to. It requires some degree of focus.
Over time, players develop much greater active listening skills, just by virtue of being invested in the game. For sales people these skills can be applied to more effectively helping their customers.
In conclusion…
TTRPG’s D&D can be an unusual but effective sales training tool that teaches valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and listening. If you’re interested in using D&D as a sales training tool for your team, contact Legendary Team Building today. Our team of experts can help you plan a custom D&D experience that will teach valuable sales skills and help your team succeed.