Dungeons & Dragons: A Metaphor for Modern Leadership, Culture, and Wellbeing
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a modern parable that beckons us to reimagine leadership, culture, and wellbeing in the professional sphere. The rise of D&D's popularity parallels a broader shift towards a more inclusive, collaborative, and purpose-driven professional realm.
What is D&D?
Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), the iconic role-playing game, has captured the hearts and imaginations of gamers for nearly half a century. In recent years, it has experienced a remarkable resurgence, in part through the onslaught of the Netflix show Stranger Things, the impact of COVID-19 and quarantining, the rise in story-telling video games like World of Warcraft AND with the rise in social media outlets promoting and popularizing collective gaming “hang-outs” like Critical Role on YouTube.
ut there's more to this game than meets the eye [sorry for the Transformers 80’s cartoon reference]. Beyond its mystical quests and magical realms, D&D is a powerful blueprint for understanding the essence of leadership, culture, and wellbeing in the modern professional world. Maybe I should rephrase that and say: D&D is marking a shift in what many employees (i.e., talent) view as the necessary components in their leadership at work, their workplace cultural identity, and their overall subjective well-being.
So, just like in D&D, let's embark on a journey of discovery. Let’s uncover the valuable lessons that D&D imparts and how they can transform our approach in the “professional realm”.
Understanding D&D and Its Popularity:
D&D is more than a game; it's a universe where storytelling, cooperation, and imagination reign supreme. The game's resurgence is no accident; it mirrors a fundamental shift in how the younger generation views the workplace. They crave meaning, connection, and a departure from the traditional corporate hierarchy.
Let me clarify one thing here: D&D is not simply a GenZ phenomenon. D&D’s popularity has steadily increased over the past decade with marked growth in sales, meet-up groups, conventions, etc. AND these growth numbers are cross generational.
We can look back at the origins of D&D in 1974 and its rise and controversy throughout the late 70’s and 80’s as part of a “counter culture” rebelling against corporate leadership that could be ultra assertive and competitive (and some would say materialistic), zero-sum mindsets, and the ever present Communism vs Capitalism hub-bub of the Cold War.
But what about over the past twenty years?
Is it possible that D&D hit a nerve with a middle-aged GenX crew now in midlife trying to make sense of their professional role where the corporate mantra of “put in your time and you’ll be rewarded” seemed to only exist for a rare group of individuals (past & present)? What about the Millenials that were told to get a good education and a good job is guaranteed to follow?
All I am saying is that D&D (the game) has always been present BUT D&D (as a culture) is answering the call to fill fundamental needs; needs that society said would be filled by our purpose-filled professional endeavors - but never delivered.
Role of the Dungeon Master (DM) & Leadership:
In D&D, the Dungeon Master takes the helm, guiding the narrative and fostering a collaborative spirit among players. This role is a prime example of how modern leadership should shift from rigid hierarchy and a parental role of “do as I say, because I know best” to a stewardship of caretaking for both the business and those working in it.
Effective leadership is about empowering others, leading through service, and recognizing that everyone has a unique role to play.
And what could be more symbolic for tailoring work projects and programs to our unique roles, skills, and strengths than an iconic role playing game?
D&D & Workplace Culture:
The diverse cast of characters in a D&D party teaches us about the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in our professional lives. The game thrives on different strengths, skills, and perspectives working together harmoniously, a model we should embrace in our organizations.
DEI isn't just a buzzword; it's a foundational element of a thriving workplace culture because it takes into account WHY each person has signed-up for a “campaign” (i.e., the journey the D&D group is embarking on) and the companies or organizations we choose to follow and align with for roughly 30% of the time in our lives.
Just like in D&D, each talent member in our organization is there for a reason. It may be personal growth, values alignment, purpose and self efficacy, or some version of fame-riches-glory. But, everyone fills a role within the campaign to further the journey for the collective. And the Dungeon Master is there as a guide to help keep the story going - not to dictate the choices or movements of each participant.
Wellbeing & Needs:
In D&D, characters' well-being is closely tied to fulfilling their psychological needs, and it's no different in the professional world. We must address our needs for autonomy, belonging, competence, and overall purpose or drive to thrive. [ooh, rhyming 🤓]
D&D inspires us to reflect on these needs through “gaming” and find ways to meet them in our work environments. If a member of a D&D campaign does not have agency over their character and their choices (aside from the role that the dice plays) - the journey is over for that participant.
If a member of the party is not able to “level up” their character because of stringent rules by the DM, the participant will find another group to play with.
If the party of players does not coalesce and support everyone’s need to bring their character to life (whether through dressing up, adding unique voices to their character, etc.) - the campaign will be a one-off as the group of players will disband and find new outlets
Do you see the overlap here?
Shaping a New Mindset:
D&D opens the door to a world of possibilities. So, how can this game shape our mindset about wellbeing, leadership, and culture in the professional sphere?
I invite you to brainstorm with your colleagues and discover how you can incorporate the valuable lessons of D&D into your daily work lives.
Create a culture of shared responsibility and a stronger focus on our collective wellbeing.
Dungeons & Dragons isn't just a pastime; it’s not just a game that takes place in someone’s basement by those unable or unwilling to interact with society at large. It is an experience! Perhaps more importantly (for this argument at least) it is a lifestyle reinvigorated by our co-workers, our neighbors, and our friends;
Those who crave collaborative and creative environments to express themselves without fear of reprisal.
As an organizational consultant, I postulate that D&D’s growth (aside from but in concert with the items outlined above) is a direct response to the inability of poor and ineffective leadership to incorporate core values and needs that our talent desires and needs.
And like in D&D, if the DM isn’t capable and supportive OR the culture isn’t challenging and inclusive - participants (our organizational talent) will either find another place that fulfills their needs OR they will build a new campaign from the ground-up and poach those feeling similar in your organization.
Roll for Initiative!