Enter the Dungeon Knowledge Seeker If You Dare and learn why you can adopt Dungeons & Dragons thinking into your workplace to create a whole new world of possibilities.
Psychological studies have observed that those who played D&D and other RPGs had higher cognitive abilities than the average population. These include comprehension, spelling, attention span and critical thinking.
But how? In the game, you would have to listen to the Dungeon Master (DM) explain the situation and the world around you; this requires the player to comprehend what is happening and listen attentively. Also, the DM would often place players in challenging situations that require players to problem-solve themselves out of unique situations.
Sure, trying to pass through a narrow hallway with spikes on the ground isn’t the same as trying to find the correct code for new software, but it exercises critical thinking skills and makes you think outside the box. As for adults, players of D&D were found to have higher levels of well-being and less depression. This higher than average well-being could be due to the increased sense of camaraderie shared between players of the group.
Also, it brings everyone’s favourite F word into the workplace FUN, something that can help in these times.
What Classic D&D Party Member Are You?
Fighter – (Frontline Offence & Defence). A physical powerhouse of prodigious strength, the fighter solves problems by dicing or smashing them to bits with mêlèe weapons. Think of your fighters as your frontline workers and salespeople. They are the ones in the trenches every day for your business putting in the excellent work hitting KPIs, generating leads.
Rogue (The Problem Solver). Quite a bit squishier than the fighter, though not as much as the mage, rogues get around this weakness by finding ways to avoid being hit in the first place. Their problem-solving methods typically involve: Sneaking by them. Stabbing them In the back. Sniping them from a distance. Even talking to them. These people in your business are your innovators, the ones who solve problems you don’t even know exist, who can see what challenges are cropping up on the frontline and have the initiative to make decisions before they become real problems.
Wizard, (The Wisdom). The mage can take advantage of elemental powers to exploit the enemy’s weaknesses and may also get several utility powers to bypass the stickiest situations. They learn new spells as they experiment and grow in experience. They can also learn them from other wizards, from ancient tomes or inscriptions, and from ancient creatures (such as the fey) that are steeped in magic. These are your experienced workers who know those excellent decisions don’t just come from good training but also from mistakes and correcting them. They see tough days and learning opportunities to grow and find new solutions for the future.
Cleric, (The Support). is imbued with divine magic. They can combine the practical magic of healing and inspiring their allies with spells that harm and hinder foes. They solve problems by provoking awe and dread, lay curses of plague and even call down flames from heaven to consume their enemies. These are the people who inspire, they aren’t necessarily in management, but they have the power to pick people up and provide a healthy culture to the work-life experience for your business.
Despite their differences, everyone in the party is a knowledge seeker in their way. Fighters learn new techniques to fight. Rogues learn to solve more and more complex traps; Wizards learn new spells, and Clerics learn secret knowledge from the God’s. They each contribute in their own way to the party.
Thinking Outside Of The Box Or Finding Your Way Through A Dungeon.
Consider your colleagues as part of your party. The wizard, rogue, fighter, and cleric concepts and how they translate in your work environment show that each role benefits from each other’s strengths and supports each other’s weaknesses. Diversity is key. Celebrate the differences in your team members and embrace this as a leader as it will help your business grow in ways you can’t imagine.
Still, Why Adopt Dungeons & Dragons Thinking?
Consider also your upskilling as levelling up so you can take on more significant responsibilities; this includes levelling up your tools, gear and experiences both at work and out of work.
Critical Thinking.
No Challenge Is Impossible. “Crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and hear the lamentation of the women!” Conan. That may be extreme, but as your team works together and works well together, each step of your business growth, though challenging, will become more and more surmountable.
Becoming A Leader.
As you step into your role, you can look at the lay of the land (map/work year) and take stock of where you are now, a clarity and where you want to be, and you can create steps (missions) to get to your objective. Remember that the destination/camaraderie you build with your team/party will make completing missions, increasing your levels and achieving your goals/objectives easier rather than looking at work as just work. Changing this perception becomes an opportunity to increase your knowledge, levelling up into a much-desired party member.
Find A Good Dungeon Master.
On a final note, find a guide/mentor/coach who has gone before you in business—someone who has conquered the early levels of business and someone whose advice you can trust. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Having the tactical advantage of another person’s experience can only help you clear those early challenging business beginnings for you and your party/team and this is why adopting Dungeons & Dragons thinking in your workplace will help help your work culture not just survive but thrive.
