Author: Tom Watkin

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Three Leadership Lessons From The Game: Mutiny and Collaboration

Recently, I had the opportunity to play a thrilling roleplaying game session of “Those Dark Places” with a group of friends. This game is all about horror and adventure in deep space, following the themes laid out form my favorite film Alien. Little did we know that amidst the excitement and tension, we would stumble upon valuable insights into leadership styles and dynamics. As the game unfolded, our experiences shed light on the importance of collaboration, building leadership capital, and the consequences of failing to adapt in times of crisis. In this post, I will discuss three key leadership lessons from the game that emerged in our space faring journey.

Of course, I’m lucky to play with a group who enjoy roleplaying their characters to the hilt. This often means that the optimal solution is not always played out, making for a much more interesting game. But the leadership lessons still stand, highlighting the experiential learning opportunities that roleplaying games can provide leaders.

In space no one can hear you scream, or mutiny as the case might be…. (Alien 1979 – huge inspiration for this game).

Lesson 1: Collaboration Over Dictation

At the beginning of our virtual space expedition, one of our friends assumed the role of the captain—a position of authority entrusted with leading the crew of space workers on a mission to aid an on-planet mine. However, the captain’s leadership style was initially authoritarian and highly directive. He issued orders without seeking input or fostering collaboration within the crew. In the absence of any serious threats, the crew complied silently, and the mission progressed smoothly. In fact the team members were helping each other with tasks while the captain was “overseeing” from a place of safety. This lack of collaboration between the leadership and the team began to create a divide. Which, as it turns out, was going to limit the effectiveness of the leader moving forward.

Lesson 2: Building Leadership Capital

However, when faced with unexpected adversity in the form of an horrific android uprising, the true test of leadership began. Tension was mounting and the pressure rising. As the crew confronted the urgent task of returning to the spaceship, evading homicidal androids along the way, the captain’s lack of collaboration and failure to build leadership capital became apparent. At no point during the adventure up to this point had the captain tried to gain the trust of the team. Directing them to do the difficult and dangerous jobs while remaining safe, refusing to collaborate and acting in a dictatorial style were to behis undoing. The crew had not developed trust or respect for the captain’s leadership style, making it difficult for them to rally behind their directives in this critical situation. This came to a head when the captain started making decisions that were putting the crew in harms way.

The pressure in Those Dark Places creates a good test of leadership principles

Lesson 3: Adaptability and Resilience in Crisis

Under the mounting pressure, the crew’s survival instincts kicked in, and they collectively realized the need for collaboration and shared decision-making. The android uprising had spread throughout the mine and the adventure theme had turned to one of survival. The captain however, was looking to follow company orders, effectively putting the crew at risk. Recognizing that their lives were at stake, they overruled the captain’s orders and effectively mutinied. In this desperate situation, the crew’s ability to adapt and work as a cohesive unit became paramount. By embracing a collaborative approach and pooling their collective knowledge and skills, they navigated through the dangers, ultimately surviving the ordeal. As their ship left the turmoil of the planet below the captain had effectively lost command.

Final thoughts

Our experience playing “Those Dark Places” brought to light crucial leadership lessons that transcend the boundaries of a mere game. The importance of collaboration, building leadership capital, and adaptability during times of crisis emerged as central themes. Effective leaders understand the significance of collaboration, seek input from team members, and foster an environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Furthermore, they invest time and effort in building trust, respect, and credibility among their team. Finally, leaders must possess the ability to adapt and remain resilient in challenging situations, recognizing when it is necessary to shift their approach and empower their team members to make crucial decisions.

Whether in the context of a tabletop roleplaying game or the real world, these leadership lessons have the potential to transform the dynamics within teams and drive them towards success. By embracing these insights, leaders can build cohesive teams that thrive in both favorable and adverse circumstances, navigating the darkest of places with resilience and shared purpose.

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Difficult Conversations in Dungeons and Dragons, More than Comms

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life. Unfortunately both Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) and the business world are not exempt from this. In this post, we explore how the Dungeon Master (DM) and players engage in and navigate challenging discussions within the game. Before looking at how these experiences can serve as valuable practice for effective business leadership.

Effective Communication: Setting the Stage for Productive Dialogue

In D&D, the DM and players rely on effective communication to convey ideas, share information, and coordinate actions. The game hinges on the participants talking to one another. The DM must describe the world and situation that the players face. In turn the players need to be clear about how their characters are interacting. If the communication breaks down, the game breaks down.

Similarly, in the business world, leaders must master the art of communication to convey their vision, provide feedback, and resolve conflicts. How else do their teams know what they are trying to achieve. Without easy to understand feedback there is no indication of the quality of their work. Business is built on communication. Many failures could have been avoided if staff communicated better.

By practicing communication skills within the context of D&D, leaders can develop clarity, empathy, and articulation, enabling them to navigate difficult conversations more effectively in the professional realm.

Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and Managing Emotions

Through the nature of the game, D&D often elicits strong emotions, including excitement, frustration, or disappointment. Beating a difficult foe, or losing a beloved character can create strong highs and lows. Both the DM and players must be attuned to their emotions and those of others to create a positive and inclusive environment. Treating others emotions with respect becomes a core part of what makes a fun D&D group.

Emotional intelligence is also vital in business leadership. It helps leaders navigate sensitive topics, recognize and manage emotions, and foster a supportive workplace culture. Understanding the emotional state of your team allows leaders to communicate with tact. It also helps leaders to look after their staffs well being.

Working on difficult conversations in Dungeons and Dragons provides a platform to develop emotional intelligence, facilitating its application in real-world leadership scenarios.

Conflict Resolution: Finding Common Ground

The freeform nature of D&D adventures can introduce conflicts and disagreements among players. Whether deciding a course of action or style of play emotions can get heated. Resolving these conflicts requires effective conflict resolution strategies, such as active listening, seeking understanding, and finding common ground. This resolution falls to all players at the table not just the DM. Sometimes taking a break from the game and having a frank discussion is needed. One thing for certain is that shying away from the difficult conversations usually results in unhappy participants and ultimately the game folding.

Hankerin Ferinale from Rune Hammer Games suggests using a Tribunal type set up where the group meet outside the usual game session to discuss issues openly together. Determine what is working and what is not and then, if needed make change.

Similarly, leaders in the business world often encounter conflicts that demand resolution. Whether in your team, with other teams or clients contentious issues will arise. Having the courage to have a difficult conversation early and actively trying to understand each sides perspective will more often than not solve the problem. At the very least it starts the journey towards resolution.

By engaging in difficult conversations in D&D, leaders can practice conflict resolution techniques, hone their negotiation skills, and foster an environment of collaboration and understanding within their teams.

Finding common ground is a good way to resolve conflict

Active Listening: Honoring Different Perspectives

Running a D&D sessions involves active listening, as players contribute ideas, voice concerns, and share their experiences. The DM must attentively listen to player input to shape the narrative. Players must pay attention to the DM and the other players. This keeps everyone actively involved in growing the game together.

When players don’t practice active listening the game immersion and excitement diminishes. One of the biggest contributors to this is the mobile phone. There is nothing worse than when a player sits at the table on their phone. There is no engagement with the game or the other players and when it is their turn to interact they have no idea what is going on. Committing to active listening during a game session makes the game better for everyone.

Active listening is equally crucial in business leadership, where leaders must hear diverse perspectives, understand the needs of their team members, and encourage open dialogue. If you are talking to a team member pay real attention to what they are saying. Asking relevant questions lets you gain deeper understanding but also shows the team member that you are listening to them and engaged. Practicing active listening in the workplace will grow your reputation as a leader who cares.

Using D&D sessions to practice active listening, leaders strengthen their ability to listen empathetically, cultivate trust, and foster a culture of inclusivity and psychological safety.

Final Thoughts on Difficult Conversations in Dungeons and Dragons

Difficult conversations in Dungeons and Dragons offer valuable practice for business leaders in navigating challenging discussions, fostering effective communication, and promoting a positive team dynamic. By honing communication skills, developing emotional intelligence, practicing conflict resolution, and fostering actively listening within the game, leaders can gain valuable experience and refine their approach to difficult conversations in the business world. By applying the lessons learned from D&D, leaders can foster productive dialogue, build strong relationships, and lead their teams with empathy, clarity, and authenticity.