A new VR tool for business coaches and managers in Alberta

Soft skills make all the difference. The problem? They're notoriously hard to measure, because whether filling out a personality test or engaged in some team-building activity, people are actively aware that they're being observed. And they'll naturally act differently.

• Whether you're their manager or an outside coach, employees typically put their best face forward and engage in impression management when it comes to team-building
• Developing soft skills can be a delicate procedure, but it creates better individuals and more effective team
• Coaching soft skills and removing the friction in teams is something many companies just aren't good at — and it holds them back

AlignVR has developed an approach to help Albertan organizations with team building and coaching that knocks down that layer of impression management, exposing natural, authentic behaviours that express through a series of VR challenges.

46%

of hires are considered failed by the 18 month mark

89%

of the cited reasons? Soft skills.

Obtain a real, actionable basis for employees' professional development

A business coaching tool that works

Here's how the VR magic transforms an ordinary team building session into something that brings out authentic behaviour.

When someone puts a VR headset on, sees a whole new world in front of their eyes, and interacts with it by walking around and moving their arms, they're experiencing a sudden cognitive load they're not familiar with — even with those who have experienced VR before.

This cognitive load inhibits the tendency to engage in impression management, and breaks down that barrier to reveal how they actually interact in situations and scenarios with their coworkers.

In other words: the immersive experience of virtual reality distracts the employee enough that they forget they're participating in a formal activity. They're focused on what's in front of them and who they're there with. Like never before, you see personalities and roles emerge, and can watch what helps them operate smoothly — and what's causing friction.

Observation

• Observe how employees collaborate
• See how they interact in real-time, unfiltered
• Confirm key behaviors without impression management

Insight

• Identify where soft skill gaps lie
• Compare how different employees work together to solve problems
• Peek through to their authentic personality

Reflection

• Encourage employees to address true strengths and weaknesses
• Discuss how they can improve as a team
• Having actually had fun, they're more receptive!

Who are your people?

This is just a sample of the kinds of personalities you can watch for during an AlignVR session:

"Communicator"

Watch how people talk through the problem with others and share information. Did they talk about what they were doing? Did they keep secrets? Did they speak often?

"Team player"

Observe how employees contributed to the solution. Did they collaborate or get in the way? Were others comfortable working with them?

"Leader"

Spot leadership potential. See how people take initiative, organize, and work to include and motivate others on their team.

"Creative problem solver"

Identify effective problem solving. Did they successfully work with the rules of the scenario? Were they curious about the environment?

And it's not just coaching...

This technology isn't only great for coaching your existing staff. Use it during the hiring process to attain incredible insight about candidates to identify more amazing high performers!

Detailed Participant Reporting

On top of observing and taking notes, you'll receive a detailed data report produced by the software containing digital fingerprints of the participant and their VR experience and actions. Together, this data will inform your follow-up and help identify areas for growth, reflection, and improvement — plus, of course, praise!

Build better teams. Available in ALberta.

We've deployed the AlignVR business coaching, team building, and hiring services across Alberta — from organizations like Epcor to the University of Alberta.

Leave behind the unreliable personality tests and techniques of the past. Reach out today if you'd like to learn more about how this technological advance can help you build better, more high performing teams and identify problems before they become an issue.

The best part? Participants overwhelmingly report that the process was fun, positive, and memorable. They love it!

Contact us today. Let's talk about how we can get you set up with the latest in team building innovation.