In the movie Training Day, Denzel Washington tells his partner that “This sh*t is chess; it ain’t checkers,” as an admonition to acknowledge the complexity of the work and take it more seriously. It’s a good mantra for anyone in a leadership position.
Thinking like a chess player involves seeing the whole “board” or organizational landscape with all of its interrelated parts. It requires you to anticipate several moves in advance and consider the many options that are available to you, as well as acknowledge that each of the “pieces” or people have different roles to play.
Lead your organization like a chess master and focus on the strategic moves that help to achieve your ultimate goal. Thinking ahead will help get you ahead.
