Play a little game to find a better leader....

Leadership games expose the core of a leader.

I'm a fan of NFL football and more specifically I'm a fan of the New England Patriots. And, beyond that I'm a fan of Tom Brady and Coach Bill Belichick. But, more than that I'm a fan of games that develop leadership.

This evening I'm watching the Patriots embarrass the Houston Texans. This was supposed to be a great game but so far it's not. I'd attribute much of the success of the Patriots to the preparation of the their leadership. The television announcers have mentioned many times the preparation ethic of Tom Brady and the work ethic of Belichick.

Leadership shows up in games like football. It can show the tendencies to prepare or be lazy. Leadership can show up in the clutch moments of a game to put a spotlight on true leaders and put pretenders in the shadows.

Both Brady and the N.E. Patriot Coach have a penchant for preparation for the game.

John Wooden, perhaps one of the best coaching leaders in the game arena loved to say, "I will prepare and perhaps my chance will come." That seems to be how the Patriots prepare. And, in particular it seems to be how the Patriot Leadership prepares for the games they're in.

Rising leaders would do well to develop a strong work ethic that prepares them for whatever game they're gonna compete in. 'Private practice leads to public victory.' It's sure showing up to be true this evening with the Patriots! [ with about 4 minutes left in the game they are up 42 to 7! ]

Now what I also believe is true is that leadership traits are exposed while playing simple games like Spades or Monopoly. Yes, I think that playing games with a leader opens up a 3-D view of their internal operating system. You can see if they are a wild risk taker or a thoughtful conservative. You can also see how they handle victory and defeat. Almost any game can be used a leadership game to expose or develop leadership.

Many of my leadership oriented friends who lead organizations, businesses and churches are highly competitive and love to win. You'd see these same traits out on the volleyball court or on the gold course as you'd see in the board-room. If they have a penchant for winning the game then you'll see them evolve into that type of leader in your enterprise.

I'd suggest that you consider using leadership games as a way to screen potential leadership for your team. So, maybe a good game of Monopoly is in order when you are vetting a potential new leader.