Playing these three mental games can make you a better leader game one: if... What to do? Game Two: If/Then Game Three: WOOP Thinking Plays Knocking On Points with Others

Merriam Webster defines "mental games" as "a psychological strategy used for manipulation or intimidation— usually in plural form."

But this is only a definition.

Some companies peddle mental games, describing them as brain-training projects and coaching materials. Providers of mental games promise good results. Some mental games may allow you to slow down brain recession or become smarter.

There is also a more everyday definition. "Mental games" are mathematical problems or something similar that challenges the mind. Some board games are also in this category.

I also have a definition. My definition is: "Mind games are ways to make you a better leader." "There are three types:

< h1 toutiao-origin="h3" > game one: If... What to do? </h1>

This is the simplest mental game. "If... What to Do" makes you think about something extraordinary that could happen. Then you'll think, what do you do. For example, if you live in a country where earthquakes are frequent, you need to think about what to do if an earthquake occurs.

Police, fire, military and other high-risk professional groups use this method to make psychological preparations and respond to unexpected events. Business planners use this method to think about what actions they should take when public relations events and force majeure events occur, otherwise it is an out-of-control attack.

Think about what might happen. Think about how you can understand the situation and decide what to do next.

<h1 toutiao-origin="h3" > game two: if/then</h1>

Similarly, "if/then" is a mental game and planning tool. Identify situations or things that may occur. It can be as simple as "If it's raining outside...", or more importantly, "If two team members are infected with THE new crown virus at the same time..."

Then, think about how to deal with it. You can also use "When... when" instead of "if".

<h1 toutiao-origin="h3" > game three: WOOP thinking</h1>

WOOP thinking is also called "psychological control" It helps you test the viability of your goals and find ways to achieve them. The steps are as follows:

Wishes: You may want to lose weight, get promoted, or run a marathon.

Outcomes: Describe how you may look, feel, or sound when you achieve your goals. It may be that the final goal has been achieved, or the phased goal has been completed.

Obstacles: Things you have to do, or things that prevent you from achieving your goals.

Plans: How do you overcome difficulties? At that point, you either find that you can't overcome the obstacle, or you make some plan to deal with it. Can be an "if/then" schedule.

"Psychological contrast" is a concept developed by Professor Gabriele Oettingen. She's written a book to illustrate the concept, but I think the best illustration comes from Eric Barker's book Barking Up the Wrong Tree.

WOOP thinking allows you to integrate your thinking. You can put your "If... What to do" and "if/then" as well as reality checks are placed in the same process. You may not want to do it often, but it's a great mental game.

<h1 toutiao-origin="h3" > play with others</h1>

You don't have to play these mental games alone. In fact, it's good to play with other people. Playing with others, especially with your team members, you will find more problems. There will also be more ideas that inspire you to do something.

It's also a great way for team members to get to know each other and work together. Different perspectives can also polish the thinking of team members. You don't all need to think from the same perspective.

< h1 toutiao-origin="h3" > hit the point</h1>

There are some mental games that can help you become a better leader.

Use "If... What to do" thinking about the unexpected.

Use "if/then" to think about what can be done about it.

Use WOOP thinking to predict the difficulties you may encounter and the actions you need to take.

Playing these mental games with others can think of more ways and exercise your thinking.

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