Saturday, July 11, 2009

Know When to Hold Them, Know When to Fold Them

Poker is an interesting game to watch. It requires strategy, skill, and luck. When luck is not there, strategy and skill are essential. Competitors watch carefully your non-verbals. They are keen to identify any clues that will give away a strong hand, a bluff, a lack of concentration, fatigue, hesitation.

Questions: 

Can others "read" your hand? 
What clues do you give away? 
Can others tell when you are bluffing? 
Are you an amateur or a professional player?

Professionals know when to hang on to a dealt hand and when to throw it in. They calculate the odds, they "count" the cards, they watch competitors for clues, they do not give away their hand. They are "poker faced".

Amateurs ignore or play against the odds. They try to bluff others who are not easiy bluffed. Amateurs can win on luck in the short term but lose over the long haul to skill and better strategy. 

Of course, it is always better to be lucky than a better player. Luck makes everyone look like a genius.

I have observed this phenomenon often in the business word. 

I have seen individuals screw up a great career by being called on their bluff to resign over often a petty subject. I have seen individuals who do not know that they have a winning hand, thus settling for a meager win. 

Bet a strong hand. Throw away a weak one.

What kind of a player are you? 
 What are your strengths? 
 Your track record? 

Careers are more important than poker playing. I am using the analogy to drive a few points across. 

I wish you a great ride along the learning curve. Be a winner! God is on your side.

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