Articles

Play Games at Your Own Risk

Jana M. Kemp

The most recent business sign to catch my eye is on a group of theater video games: “Play Games at Your Own Risk, No Refunds.” Having just watched the movie “Troy” at the theater, I found the warning sign quite profound.

In the movie Troy, Helen of Sparta leaves her husband for Paris of Troy. Together, Helen and Paris’ actions incite a war. The war is fought over love, pride, and power and is fought based on many rules of honor. The politics of young and old, the strategy of acquisition, and the possibilities for engagement and trickery all play out in the film. The 3200 year old story includes the tale of Greek hero Achilles and illustrates the drama, decisions, and even games that we play with ourselves and with others. The story also shows that when games are played, there are always losers who are hurt to varying degrees.

In our modern lives, we too get caught in the act of creating drama and playing games. For instance, talking to one person about our frustrations with another person is a form of creating drama. Instead, go directly to the person and work to solve the problem or reduce the frustration. Another example of game-playing at work is undermining someone else’s efforts by taking their tools or work materials, thereby leaving everyone less productive. Consider the examples of game-playing happening in your workplace. Are you playing? What can you do to eliminate the unproductive games?

“Play games at your own risk, No refunds” is also a reminder that in life we can play but we do so at our own risk and that we do not have a right to walk around expecting a refund, a do-over, or another chance just because things haven’t gone our way. When we play games, we may win, loose, or draw. We may have fun or we may feel hurt. Game playing may be “good” in the name of fun and sales-motivation, where the rules are clearly defined and followed. And, game playing can be a good thing when the whole team is on board and willing to play.

Action Plan: Be aware of the game scenarios you create during the work day. Ask yourself whether game-playing is really what you want to be doing or whether there is a more direct and caring way to solve problems and address issues of concern. And, if you decide to play, play games at your own risk.
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Reprint Permission: The author is willing to grant reprint permissions. Please contact Jana Kemp: jana@janakemp.com or call 208-367-1701.