10 Leadership Lessons From Pokemon Go

By Linda Fisher Thornton

I resisted playing the wildly popular game Pokemon Go as long as I could, but the world was playing it (including my teenage children at that time) so awhile back I decided to give it a go. As I learned the basics of the game I noticed that its structure is aligned with some of the principles of good leadership. Whether that similarity is accidental or intentional, I can’t say, but I am sharing my observations in this post. What leadership lessons have you noticed that are not mentioned here?

10 Leadership Lessons From Pokemon Go

Create a sense of urgency to accomplish goals so that people stay motivated.
Provide increasing challenge as people master existing work.
Keep people moving – exercise increases productivity and improves health.
Stay aware of what is going on around you – in the world and in your sandbox.
Provide short term milestones so that you turn “lots of tasks” into reaching milestones along a known path.
Be flexible. Things change fast. Be ready to change direction and set new short term and stretch goals.
Have the right tools and know when to use them – this helps you and your team achieve goals.
Respect others and boundaries as you work to meet your goals.
Be adaptable so that you can take advantage of opportunities as they arise.
“Play nice” with others and help them – they are stretching too.

I also noticed something else about this game that aligns with the principles of good leadership. While the challenge increases as you master the game, its also fun and gets people moving. This design element parallels the leadership principle that when you create a positive work environment and make work enjoyable, people accomplish more, and are more satisfied with their work over the long term. All of this encourages them to stay longer and do their best.

The tagline for Pokemon Go is “Gotta Catch ‘Em All!” As you try to “catch” some great new hires this year, remember to apply these important leadership principles that will increase your chances of success.