“8% Productivity Improvement. £450k Cost Reduction. One Simulation.”
Paul Taylor, DHL
“The programme included a business simulation based on making cardboard dragsters, which came thoroughly recommended to get the supervisor teams to understand how they interact with each other. The results were transformational: 8% productivity improvement immediately, £450,000 in cost reductions realised in nine months and we almost doubled our output over our busiest Christmas periods.”
The Challenge Every Operations Leader Faces
Your teams work hard while performance isn’t improving.
Sound familiar?
- Bottlenecks slow everything down
- Departments don’t communicate effectively
- Process improvements fail to stick
- Quality suffers under pressure
- Teams blame each other instead of solving problems
- Training delivers theory but not behavioural change
You’ve tried workshops. You’ve tried process mapping. You’ve tried motivational talks.
Nothing creates lasting change.
Here’s why: Traditional training teaches people about improvement. Slingshot makes them experience it.
What Is Slingshot?
Slingshot is a high-energy business simulation that compresses months of organisational learning into a single day.
Teams manufacture cardboard dragsters under commercial pressure across three production runs. Between each run, they measure performance, identify bottlenecks, redesign processes, and test improvements.
The typical result?
- Run 1: Chaos. 4 dragsters produced. Quality issues. Customer dissatisfaction.
- Run 2: Improvement. 8-10 dragsters. Better communication. Clearer roles.
- Run 3: Optimisation. 15-20 dragsters. Streamlined process. High quality.
That’s 300-500% performance improvement in one day.
More importantly, participants understand why performance improved - and can apply those principles immediately to their real work.
What Your Teams Will Learn
Process Thinking
How to identify and eliminate bottlenecks that kill productivity.
Systems Awareness
How one department’s decisions impact the entire operation.
Measurement Discipline
How to use data to drive continuous improvement.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
How to break down silos and work as one team.
Quality Under Pressure
How to balance speed, quality, and customer satisfaction.
Rapid Redesign
How to test, learn, and improve processes quickly.
Why Slingshot Works When Other Training Fails
1. Experience Beats Explanation
Research by J. Newstrom proves simulations are highly effective for building interpersonal skills and problem-solving abilities. Participants don’t learn about process improvement - they do process improvement.
2. Emotional Engagement Creates Memory
People don’t remember what they’re told. They remember what they feel. The frustration of Run 1, the breakthrough of Run 2, and the exhilaration of Run 3 create memory anchors that last for years.
3. Safe-Fail Environment
Teams can experiment with radical redesigns without real-world consequences. Failure becomes a learning tool, not a career risk.
4. Immediate Application
Participants leave with specific action plans for applying simulation insights to their real organisational challenges. Implementation begins within days, not months.
5. Measurable Results
Simulation performance provides objective data on capability development. You can measure problem-solving speed, collaboration effectiveness, and process improvement capability.
Who Uses Slingshot?
Manufacturing Operations
Teach lean principles, process efficiency, and quality management through hands-on experience.
Cross-Functional Teams
Break down silos between sales, operations, finance, and customer service.
Leadership Development
Help managers understand systems thinking and the impact of their decisions.
Change Management
Build confidence and capability before implementing major process changes.
Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Create a common language and shared experience for improvement teams.
What’s Included in the Starter Kit?
Everything you need to run Slingshot for up to 12 participants:
- 12 Participant Workbooks with structured reflection exercises
- 1 Comprehensive Facilitator Guide with step-by-step instructions, timing, debrief questions, and off-line activities
- All consumable materials for three production runs
- Re-usable components for future sessions
- Measurement tools to track performance across runs
- Action planning templates to transfer learning to the workplace
- Sturdy container for transportation
Flexible group sizes: Run Slingshot with 8-30 participants (additional Supply Kits available for larger groups).
Typical session length: 4-6 hours (half-day or full-day format).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need facilitation experience to run Slingshot?
The Facilitator Guide provides comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. If you’ve facilitated workshops before, you can run Slingshot. For first-time facilitators, we recommend reviewing the guide thoroughly and doing a dry run.
How long does a Slingshot session take?
Typically 4-6 hours. You can run it as a half-day intensive or full-day with extended debriefs and action planning.
Can I use Slingshot multiple times?
Absolutely. The Starter Kit includes re-usable components. You’ll only need to purchase additional Supply Kits (£165.78) for consumable materials to support 12 additional participants.
What group size works best?
Slingshot works with 8-30 participants. The Starter Kit supports up to 12. For larger groups, purchase additional Supply Kits.
Will participants see through the “game” aspect?
Within minutes of Run 1, participants are fully immersed. The commercial pressure, quality requirements, and measurement discipline create genuine urgency. Post-simulation feedback consistently highlights how realistic the experience feels.
How do I ensure learning transfers to the workplace?
The Facilitator Guide includes structured debrief questions that connect simulation experiences to participants’ real work. The Workbooks include action planning templates for immediate application.
Ready to Transform Your Team’s Performance?
Order the Slingshot Starter Kit today: £389.48 (excl. VAT)
What you get: - 12 Participant Workbooks - 1 Comprehensive Facilitator Guide - All consumable materials for three production runs - Re-usable components - Measurement tools - Action planning templates - Sturdy container for transportation
Need Help Deciding?
Speak with our team:
📞 01793 686512
📧 [email protected]
Want to see Slingshot in action?
Request a demonstration session or speak with us about facilitator training.
Related Products
Slingshot Participant Supply Kit
Additional consumable materials for running Slingshot with new groups. Supports 12 participants.
View Supply Kit →
1:1 Consultant Debriefs
Get expert guidance on facilitating Slingshot and maximising learning transfer.
Book a Debrief →
Personal Style Assessments
Enhance Slingshot learning by helping participants understand their communication and collaboration styles.
Browse Assessments →
The Bottom Line
You can spend thousands on process improvement consultants who deliver reports that sit on shelves.
Or you can invest £389.48 in a simulation that creates genuine capability development, measurable performance improvement, and lasting behavioural change.
DHL chose Slingshot. They achieved 8% productivity improvement and £450k in cost reductions.
What will your team achieve?
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Slingshot is co-created by Bob Hayward and Richard Perry, combining decades of experience in organisational development, process improvement, and experiential learning.
