Which training technique involves employees acting out simulated roles to enhance interpersonal skills?

Role-play is a training technique that actively engages employees by having them act out specific scenarios in a controlled environment. This method is particularly effective for enhancing interpersonal skills because it allows participants to practice communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution in a setting that mimics real-life interactions.

Through role-play, employees can receive immediate feedback on their performance from trainers and peers, facilitating on-the-spot learning and adjustment of behaviors. This experiential approach encourages the development of empathy and emotional intelligence, as participants must understand and react to the perspectives of others in the simulated roles they play.

In contrast, simulation training typically involves a broader range of activities, usually relying on technology to recreate specific job conditions rather than focusing solely on personal interactions. Case studies, while effective for analyzing past situations and devising solutions, do not offer the active practice that role-play provides. Mentorship, although valuable for individual development, primarily focuses on guidance and advice rather than interactive practice of skills. Therefore, role-play stands out as the most effective technique for directly enhancing interpersonal skills through active participation and engagement.