Tag: Teamwork

In the world of roleplaying games (RPGs), the principles of leadership and ownership might seem like an odd fit. However, delving into Jocko Willink’s book, “Extreme Ownership,” reveals surprising parallels between military leadership and the realm of dungeons, dragons, and storytelling. Let’s explore three key takeaways from Extreme Ownership and how they can be seamlessly applied to running roleplaying games.

Takeaway 1: Own the Narrative – You Are the Dungeon Master (DM):

In the world of RPGs, the Dungeon Master is the linchpin, crafting the narrative, embodying non-player characters (NPCs), and creating the world in which the players immerse themselves. Extreme Ownership emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of every aspect of a mission, and similarly, a DM must own the narrative of the campaign.

As a DM, take responsibility for the pacing, the atmosphere, and the engagement of your players. If the story isn’t resonating, or if players seem disengaged, it’s on the DM to adjust and adapt. This ownership ensures that the players have an immersive and enjoyable experience.

This doesn’t mean that you have to keep a draconian grip on the game. That would ruin the fun for everyone. Instead taking ownership of the experience at the table, engaging players and running with their ideas will keep them returning to your game over and over again.

Takeaway 2: Prioritize and Execute – Managing Campaign Dynamics:

“Prioritize and Execute” is a mantra from Extreme Ownership that stresses the importance of focusing on the most critical tasks first. In the context of RPGs, this translates into effective campaign management. Whether it’s planning encounters, developing plotlines, or managing in-game time, a DM must prioritize elements that enhance the overall experience.

Avoid getting bogged down in minor details at the expense of the overarching narrative. By prioritizing and executing key campaign elements, a DM can ensure a well-paced and engaging story that captivates the players.

This aspect of Extreme Ownership really helped me as a leaders and as a DM. I had a habit of over planning my campaigns, which while fun was very time consuming. By prioritizing certain elements of my planning and keeping bullet points for villains, locations and motivations I could run games with more flexibility and have more time doing other things.

Takeaway 3: Decentralized Command – Empower Your Players:

Extreme Ownership emphasizes the concept of decentralized command, empowering individuals at all levels to make decisions that contribute to the overall mission. Translating this to RPGs means empowering your players to contribute to the storytelling process.

Encourage players to take ownership of their characters’ stories, giving them agency in shaping the narrative. This not only enhances player engagement but also lightens the DM’s load, fostering a collaborative storytelling experience. When players feel a sense of ownership over their characters and the unfolding narrative, the game becomes more dynamic and enjoyable for everyone involved.

From the perspective of RPGs, I think this could be the most important element. I love to foster collaborative storytelling with my players. Often this means that campaigns can move into unexpected territory. But it is always fun. Remember Takeaway 1 above. Taking ownership of the experience at the table means that if everyone is having fun you are winning. Therefore, a campaign moving in a direction you hadn’t considered is a massive win.

This approach has led to my players and me jointly creating and playing multiple generations of campaigns in our shared world of Salkire. This rich tapestry of gameplay over years of real time play would not be possible without this collaborative decentralized command of the story.

Final thoughts on Extreme Ownership

Jocko Willink’s “Extreme Ownership” offers a unique lens through which to view the art of running roleplaying games. By applying the principles of ownership, prioritization, and empowerment, Dungeon Masters can elevate their campaigns to new heights. Just as a military leader takes charge of a mission, a skilled Dungeon Master takes charge of the narrative. Always creating an immersive and unforgettable experience for players. So, the next time you sit behind the screen, remember the words of Jocko Willink and take extreme ownership of your roleplaying adventure.

One of my favorite Dungeons and Dragons paintings is the classic “Dragon Slayers and Proud of it” by the incredibly talented Larry Elmore. This shows an adventuring party proudly standing next to a dragon that they have just slain. The look of satisfaction on their faces is very real. However, the joy for me comes from the size of the dragon. It is pretty small. Not the heroic villain expected. To me they are celebrating their first win together. It doesn’t matter that it wasn’t an epic show down. A win is a win. Something that has brought the team closer together.

This got me thinking about our role as leaders. Why is it that so much communication tends to focus on compliance and improvement. Why don’t we celebrate the wins, regardless of size, with the team on a regular basis. Below I explore a few reasons why we should be celebrating the little wins in both D&D and as leaders in the real world.

Embracing Progress

In Dungeons & Dragons, success isn’t solely determined by defeating the final boss or completing a quest; it’s also about the smaller victories that pave the way. Perhaps your characters learn the part of the Villains grand plan. Or, maybe they make a new ally or buy a tavern. Whatever it is , it’s worth celebrating. Taking a moment to acknowledge the success together at the table helps bring the group closer.

Similarly, in business and life, progress often comes in incremental steps. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a project milestone, or achieving a personal goal, each small win contributes to overall success. As a leader make sure to take the time to acknowledge these victories both with the individuals involved and the wider team. This will give your employees a great sense of achievement and let them know that their efforts are appreciated.

Building Momentum

Just as in D&D where every successful encounter builds momentum for the party, celebrating little wins in business and life can generate positive momentum. In game this could mean getting one step closer to saving the world. Alternatively, in business it can be the next milestone to reaching the annual objectives.

Big goals, on their own often seem insurmountable or impossible. Recognizing and acknowledging achievements, no matter how small, boosts morale and motivation. Letting people know that we will get there. Ultimately, propelling individuals and teams forward with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Fostering Collaboration

Collaboration and teamwork are the cornerstones of D&D. Each player contributes their unique skills and abilities to overcome challenges. Looking at the team in Larry Elmore’s painting shows a group comprising strong fighters, stalwart clerics and an arcane magic user. Together, they have used their disparate skills to overcome their foe and get a win. Alone, a victory like this would never have been possible.

In business and life, celebrating little wins fosters a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. Recognizing the contributions of team members and acknowledging shared achievements strengthens bonds and encourages continued collaboration. When you succeed as a team, the team becomes stronger. Cultural touch points appear around the journey the team has taken together. For example, remembering the time the team pulled an all nighter to get a project out on time becomes a core part of the team identity, bringing everyone closer together.

Cultivating Resilience

When playing at the tabletop, setbacks and obstacles are inevitable. But it’s how adventurers respond to these challenges that define their journey. In the painting the heroes display cuts, ripped clothing and battle damage. Although small, the dragon they have conquered was no easy fight. If it was easy, there’s no reason to celebrate.

Similarly, in work teams and in life, encountering setbacks is all part of the process. By celebrating little wins, individuals cultivate resilience and develop the mindset needed to persevere in the face of adversity. Ultimately bouncing back stronger and more determined than before. Acknowledging when things are tough and working together to push through makes everyone stronger.

Savoring the Journey

D&D campaigns are epic adventures filled with twists and turns. But it’s the smaller moments of triumph that make the journey memorable. In many games the best memories are often the smaller improvised encounters that emerge from play. Perhaps it is a hireling they picked up in a village. Or their interactions with a bard who wants to write their story. No amount of planning by the DM can make these memorable moments. Rather it is playing together at the table.

Likewise in life, savoring the journey and celebrating the little wins adds richness and depth to the overall experience. Maybe it’s a junior project manger finishing her first project, or onboarding a new client or even finding the best coffeeshop near the office! By taking the time to appreciate the small victories along the way, individuals can find joy and fulfillment in the process, not just the end result.

Final Thoughts on Dragon Slayers

Have a look at the painting again. Are there any other details that speak to you? Perhaps the tiny box of treasure or the look of satisfaction on the heroes faces. Larry Elmore has really created an image with depth and meaning.

For me the painting highlights that in the epic tale of life, celebrating the little wins is not just about acknowledging achievements. It’s about embracing progress, building momentum, fostering collaboration, cultivating resilience, and savoring the journey. Whether in Dungeons & Dragons, business endeavors, or everyday life, recognizing and celebrating these small victories is essential for team cohesion, personal growth, and fulfillment. So, let’s raise a toast to the little wins and revel in the magic they bring to our adventures, both big and small.

Now go slay your dragon – no matter how small it is!

For another take on how awesome Larry Elmore’s painting is check out this video from Bardic Broadcasts.