But if you've ever joined a game of Texas Hold'em or tuned into a nail-biting round in the World Series 3️⃣ of Poker, you know there are a number of ways to play that hand.
In fact, there are four basic styles 3️⃣ of poker play, defined by the type of action you take (whether you're more "passive" or "aggressive") and how often 3️⃣ you are inclined to take action ("loose" players will play a variety of hands; "tight" players are much more choosy). 3️⃣ Most players tend to stick to one main approach, but there's definitely a lot to learn from observing how others 3️⃣ behave, too.
The same can be said for how you operate at work. Is your contribution to the office brainstorm an 3️⃣ approving nod? Or are you the one who makes the bold move that will change your company's landscape?
Here's a rundown 3️⃣ of the four styles, how they might play out on the job, and how to use your type—and that of 3️⃣ others—to your advantage.
Tight Passives tend to sit back, observing (and judging) while other players make big moves. Even if they've 3️⃣ got a decent hand, they figure someone else's is probably better.
In the office, these are the people who tend to 3️⃣ hold back while letting others unleash a monsoon of ideas. Rather than sharing a strategy that might end up in 3️⃣ the muck pile, they hang tight, then get back to whatever they were doing prior to that uncomfortable meeting.
But unless 3️⃣ they get really lucky, these passive players are guaranteed to miss opportunities to get ahead. Someone else, who's willing to 3️⃣ take a bit of a chance, will always sweep all the chips off the (board room) table and win.
So, if 3️⃣ you find yourself heading into a situation with a tight passive mindset, remember the lesson of poker: You might save 3️⃣ yourself from big losses, but you're not likely to see big wins—especially in the form of new opportunities, promotions, or 3️⃣ raises.
How Can You Be Most Effective?
Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Yes, someone may have a great idea, but 3️⃣ who's to say yours isn't better? Big or small, start sharing your thoughts and be open to the learning opportunity 3️⃣ it provides.
With a touch more audacity, Tight Passives can assume the envied role of a TAG, widely believed to be 3️⃣ the winningest poker style. Tight Aggressives don't play every hand—they tend to hold out until the time is right. But 3️⃣ when they do play? They bet—and can win—big.
Take a cue from this style in the office. You've got to “know 3️⃣ when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.” When you have a great idea, share it. If you're not 3️⃣ so sure it will fly, hold off. There will be another meeting or project that calls for your area of 3️⃣ expertise or special set of skills, and you will know it's the right time for you to make your mark. 3️⃣ Others will be sure to notice your judiciousness, and when you do go all in, you're almost certain to pitch 3️⃣ a winning idea.
How Can You Be Most Effective?
Use those keen observation skills to read the room and pinpoint the perfect 3️⃣ time to share your big idea, then reap the benefits of a perfectly-timed pitch.
Loose Aggressives can win too, and they 3️⃣ can win big—they play often, and they're not scared of betting.
At work, a Loose Aggressive hears, “This program is successful" 3️⃣ and raises you, “Let's start one in China." While this could lead to big results, it's important to remember that 3️⃣ not everyone's on board with such big plays, so read the room before you go all in.
Or, if you're in 3️⃣ the presence of a Loose Aggressive, you could use the opportunity to say, “Ms. Shark, I hear where you're going 3️⃣ with this. California might be a start. Let's team up and outline a five-year plan." After she has shaken everyone 3️⃣ at the table with her loosey-goosey aggro play, you can sneak in a strategic move that saves the day.
How Can 3️⃣ You Be Most Effective?
Always explain why you think your idea works, and share a timeline for getting it done. That 3️⃣ way, you can guide people through your thinking and have a better shot at getting everyone on board.
The Loose Passive 3️⃣ is your friendly neighborhood tagalong, all grown up. He loves the reward of riding in the ice cream truck but 3️⃣ would never risk stealing it. In poker, the Loose Passive plays a lot of hands, but rarely raises the stakes.
In 3️⃣ the office, he's a people-pleaser. “Great idea! I'm on board." He is not the ideas man.
Granted, these types of co-workers 3️⃣ are great. They stay in the game until the end. They don't fold. They work late to get the job 3️⃣ done. They may not pitch that big idea, but they'll be behind you when you do.
How Can You Be Most 3️⃣ Effective?
While the loose passive has some great qualities, loyalty for one, they can miss out on the thrill of seeing 3️⃣ their idea come to life. So if you don't want to miss out, ask your co-worker for advice on how 3️⃣ they come up with and share their ideas. You've proved you're always there for them, and it's likely they'll do 3️⃣ the same.
Whatever your style, don't stray too far from your nature—but do pick up tactics by watching differently oriented peers, 3️⃣ especially if you tend to be passive. There's a saying in poker: Scared money never wins. You don't need to 3️⃣ play every hand, but don't be afraid to play.
Improve your performance by collecting information for future use. What does your 3️⃣ boss value? What does she already respect about you? Look for feedback, and the responses others have received. Use what 3️⃣ you glean to tweak your style, or to learn what kinds of proposals will fly when you are ready to 3️⃣ double down (who's ready for some Blackjack?).
The most successful people in the game—or in the office—are always the keenest observers.
