The militaries of several countries use computer games and simulations to both teach and train armed forces and officers in tasks and thought processes related to their missions and specializations.

This method is moving (little by little) into the business world as well, and one of the places where it's making the greatest inroads is in the realm of decision-making training.

From the viewpoint of training fresh managers in your own business, computer games and board games can be used to huge effect, however, there are some downfalls. First, make certain that you're conscious of what objective you're aiming for - schooling or training? Educational games center on one nested set of decisions and tend to remain fairly abstract.

A good educational game - focused on project management training for instance - should permit the players to investigate the decision space reflected by that kind of game.

A training simulation is designed to measure how well a student is getting familiar and re-enacting knowledge and training techniques.

Though a first person shooting game, like Doom or Counter Strike is no replacement for rifle training for a soldier, it's an excellent tool to assess if soldiers have learned about movement, communications, and coordinated actions in an aggressive situation, as the same things that will keep you breathing in the field will keep you breathing in the game - moving from cover to concealment, mobilized over watch, and comparable concepts.

Schooling isn't just regurgitation of principles and training, it's acquainting of the decision making processes.

For leaders (and officers in the military) there needs to be an emphasis on teaching as well as guidance.

A good officer should be familiar with the decision making process of the layer of management that reports to him, and for two levels above him.

The same applies to a executive in most companies.

Furthermore, an officer (or manager) should to be able to assess challenges to his line of actions, be aware of assets accessible to him, and with initiative, be able to deploy those assets without compromising the tactics of those above him.

When taking lessons from computer games, center on the decision making loops, and focus on concepts.

When trying to turn computer games into structured schooling for your workers, remember that games are supposed to be fun.

Games that aren't entertaining tend to get unconstructive feedback from the players, and the lessons imparted by them don't stick.

Focus on how the center concepts of the game will help your new executives work in your company, but let them take pleasure in what they're doing - people find out more, and take in the lessons better, when they're having enjoyment.

So, the first time you're caught playing a computer game in the workplace, maybe you can justify it as certified improvement.

Read more on Do you know that playing computer games will help you develop your project management skills