Lessons in leadership from tabletop roleplaying games

I have one rule when I GM tabletop games: I don’t like to say no. After all, we’re there to tell a story together, and when a player asks to do something and I respond with “no”, it can halt momentum.

💡 Instead, I try to offer the right avenues in response to player requests.

Can a player cast a spell they just made up? Maybe, if it makes sense in the story (and they roll well enough to execute it). Can a player transform into a dragon and fly halfway across the world? Probably not within the confines of the world we’re playing in, but their attempts at physical transformation might draw the attention of a local school of magic which is recruiting new students (thus providing an opportunity for a new adventure hook!).

In mentorship and leadership, the same principle can drive greater opportunities for professional growth. If my mentee asks me if they can work on a more advanced project, saying “no” can make a person feel stifled and demoralized.

💡 Instead, I can offer the right avenue in response to their request.

Perhaps they can take on a smaller portion of the project, which could present an opportunity to flex their strategic or leadership skills within a controlled environment. Perhaps we can use the project’s roadblocks as thinking exercises, working out potential resolutions together. If the person is ready to take on more advanced projects, then maybe it is time to give them the opportunity they’re asking for!

Managers and mentors of mine have used this tactic on me, and while there are some benefits to the “jump in with both feet first” method, there are also benefits to guided mentorship. I was able to make mistakes in a low stakes environment, making those mistakes less likely for me to make in future, more critical projects.

Behind the GM screen, I’m learning continuously about how to give my players the experience they’re looking for out of a game session. The same skills are teaching me about leadership and empathy in the workplace.

Interested in bringing the magic of TTRPGs to your team? I run tabletop roleplaying experiences designed for corporate groups — building connection, creativity, and collaboration through shared storytelling. Get in touch to learn more about what a session could look like for your team.