Playing for Money

Leadership is like Texas Hold'em. It doesn't take long to learn the fundamentals of what it takes to be a great leader. However, learning the rules is one thing, applying them is quite another issue. I love to play Texas Hold'em on the computer. There's something about putting in all your money on a weak hand and hope for a great flop. Taking risks is easy when there's nothing at stake. I went to Vegas last month to play with real money - MY money. Quite a different feeling when someone goes all-in and your emotions take over making you flinch a little. If your opponent has some skill- your dead meat.

Now imagine yourself having to make a decision that could impact your team in a positive or nagative way. I've seen managers make these decisions with reckless abandon and little regard for their team. It's one thing to sit in MBA classes and discuss what a great leader would do and how past leaders did it. It's quite another to look your co-worker, your teammate, possibly your friend, in the eye and tell them a decision you made ended up in their job loss. You are playing with real money, real emotions, real people. Great leadership requires an equal mix of education, experience, and instincts. There is no magic formula - only the ability to learn from your successes and mistakes. You learn quickly that making big bets with your team can lead to big consequences. I always remember that when I'm playing for real money.