The inner game

Abstract

Inner Game business courses include a considerable proportion of the time spent on a tennis court. We use tennis as a learning metaphor for the following reasons; the rules of the game are simple, the environment is bounded, the game need not be strenuous and it is safe. It provides participants with the opportunity to experiment with learning methods with the minimum interference from repetitious patterns of behaviour, preconceived ideas about the ‘right’ method and fears of the consequences of failure. A physical outer game such as tennis provides instant feedback for participants in terms of ‘how it felt’ and ‘what was the result produced’. It also encourages the development of observational skills of self and others. Whilst we do present Inner Game theory and employ a variety of Inner Game business exercises, the classroom can never wholly replace active subjective experience such as that provided on the tennis court. Most businessmen find the physical activity on our courses welcome and that it also stimulates learning. Finally it is our declared intention that participants enjoy their course not merely as a welcome break from office routine, nor just because maximum learning is achieved in that state but because enjoyment itself has intrinsic value.

Citation

WHITMORE, J. (1980), "The inner game", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 12 No. 12, pp. 502-505. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb003816