We Need to Know Ourselves First

In Maria Konnikova’s new book, “The Biggest Bluff,” she enlists the help of eight-time World Series of Poker Champion Erik Seidel. Seidel agrees to help teach Konnikova the essence of the game and serves as her mentor as she learns how to prepare to play in tournaments. She often asks Seidel: “Erik, just tell me how to play this hand, what would you have done here?” Seidel replies, “It doesn’t matter what I would have done here because you’re not me. You need to realize that, and you need to realize that people are playing differently against you than they would be against me because I’m me, and you’re you, and I can’t give you an answer.”

Seidel’s answer to Konnikova is one many of us need to learn and understand. Strategies start from within, not from others.

Konnikova wanted to take the easy path toward mastering the subject without creating an identity for herself. And Seidel knew for her to reach her full potential, she had to be able to devise a strategy based on her strengths and weaknesses and then understand how her opponents would attack those areas. A coach, leader or player without a core identity can never develop a great plan because he/she can never anticipate the moves of their opponents. 

The only variable we can control when devising a game plan or a business strategy is recognizing the strengths and weaknesses we possess. When we evaluate inside out, meaning, we know the strengths and weaknesses of our team/organization then we can build a strategy that highlights those areas. Seidel has an identity when he plays poker and wanted Konnikova to develop one of her own. Once she formulates that identity, then understanding the moves against her becomes much easier. 

Knowing ourselves allows us to prepare for the countermoves in advance, which keeps us one step ahead of the competition. When we focus completely on ourselves and ignore the competition — and truly know ourselves inside and out — then the strategy and adjustments become easier. This does not mean we become predictable, it means we have an identity. And it’s impossible to become a championship-level poker player or team without an identity.

Don’t ask others for their game plan or their advice. Formulate your own. It’s the only one that has a chance to work. 

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