Reflection and Wrap-Up: Leadership in RPGs and Project Management
Explore the parallels between leadership in role-playing games and project management as we delve into team dynamics, decision-making, and lessons learned from your latest adventure.
For more stories on merging RPGs and Business wolds check the Roll for Leadership Podcast.
Team Dynamics and Leadership Styles
Team Dynamics and Role Definition
• How did the party's teamwork evolve throughout the session? • Were there moments of conflict or synergy that defined the group's success or failure? • How did the leader handle the group, and what leadership styles were reflected in the adventure? • How effectively did each party member perform their defined role? • Reflecting on roles in both RPGs and project management, how well did each player leverage their character's strengths? Were there any moments where roles overlapped or where someone stepped outside of their usual role to support the team?
This mirrors resource management and how well team members use their skills in a project.
Leadership Styles and Adaptability
• How did the group's leader (or whoever took the lead) manage the team, especially during critical moments? • Did the leader use a collaborative, authoritative, or transformational leadership style during key decisions? How did these styles affect the group's ability to move forward or resolve conflicts?
Compare this to a project manager's leadership style—whether it was more democratic, directive, or hands-off, and how it impacted the project's progress.
Conflict Resolution and Risk Management
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Conflict Resolution and Decision-Making
• Were there moments of disagreement or conflict within the group? If so, how were these resolved? • How did the team handle differing opinions about how to solve a puzzle, defeat an enemy, or decide the crown's fate? Was conflict constructive or did it create obstacles?
This reflects stakeholder management and the importance of resolving conflicts in projects while balancing team input and maintaining alignment on goals.
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Risk Management and Decision-Making
• How did the team approach risk and uncertainty, especially regarding the Crown of Thrym? • Were risks assessed before key decisions were made (e.g., triggering traps, engaging the Guardian, deciding the fate of the crown)? How did the team balance the potential rewards of keeping the crown with the risks it presented?
This mirrors risk management and how teams weigh potential gains against risks, using tools like risk assessments or contingency planning.
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Communication and Information Sharing
• How effective was the communication between party members during critical moments? • Did everyone share important information with the group, or were there moments where decisions were made without full team input? How did the group handle moments of uncertainty or incomplete information?
This aligns with communication management in projects, highlighting the need for transparency and timely sharing of information among team members to ensure project success.
Adaptability and Lessons Learned
Adaptability and Flexibility
• How did the team adapt to changing circumstances (e.g., discovering traps, encountering rivals, or facing the Guardian)? • Did the group adjust strategies effectively when plans didn't go as expected? Were they able to pivot and find new solutions when initial plans failed?
This mirrors the need for adaptive project management, where flexibility in the face of changing project conditions is key to success.
Lessons Learned
• What were the biggest takeaways from the session for both the players and the DM? • Were there specific moments that highlighted the importance of leadership, communication, or teamwork? What could be improved next time in terms of strategy, decision-making, or role management?
This reflects the lessons learned process at the end of a project, where teams review what worked well and what could be improved to apply those insights to future efforts.
Bringing It Back to Episode 5 of Roll for Leadership Podcast
These reflection questions encourage the group to think about how leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in the game mirror real-world challenges in the workplace. By discussing these questions, players can gain insight into the value of clear communication, defined roles, risk management, and leadership styles—both in their adventuring party and in their professional lives.