Power Play: Play the tape through to the end

Power Players always think about how the plays they make are going to end.

Even though they know it may not always go exactly to plan, they still have a pretty decent idea of what might happen, scoping out the scenarios and mentally preparing for whatever might come their way.

This is a trademark Power Player move.

Knowing how the roads might diverge and where each ends in incredibly useful in making the right decision. Every action has a reaction and every decision has a consequence, and Power Players always remember that.

Play the tape through to the end and have a loose plan in your head for what to do next. You’ll be amazed how powerful this will make you.

The story

You snap at a competitive co-worker who doesn’t like you. He retaliates and you decide to return the vitriol.

You know he’s itching to make you look bad and this fuels your rage. Rewind. If you’d played the tape through to the end you’d have realised that there’s no way this ends well and you’d be much better off killing your competitive colleague with kindness.

If you do snap and he retaliates, apologise. Wind it back and make peace.

This works just as well with prickly family members.