Executive Game Theory

Game theory wasn’t a unique field until the early 20th century. But this book is unique in that it applies game theory for executive influence.

The author, James Scott, starts off with a primer about game theory for the busy executive. This enables the reader to relate game theory to interactions that expand his power and advantage. I particularly appreciate three key terms that Scott wants the executive to understand: player, strategies, and payoff.?

The book is also unique in its format. Each chapter ends with three activities for the reader: reflection, case studies, and action plans.? Diligent work on these activities will expand the reader’s capacity to anticipate moves and countermoves, create an effective stakeholder map, and hypothesize possible futures. Conceptual tools include player analysis, interaction analysis, and outcome mapping.

This is commendable, because game theory is not something you become good at just by reading or listening, but figuring out how to apply its principles in real-life, high-stakes scenarios. Scott even provides examples of those scenarios, which the reader will find it fascinating to analyze the “what is” and ponder the “what ifs”. These include OPEC’s oil production, the Cuban missile crisis, shared airline services, labor union negotiations, and the Tylenol crisis. As one can see, the issues can be of global proportions as befits executives with world-class responsibilities.

Game theory may elicit images of a chessboard where the reader grapples with adversarial factors, both known and unknown, tangible or abstract. But Scott guides the reader towards what is positive and possible, such as strategic alliances, decision-making, resource allocation, risk mitigation. crisis management, and organizational ethics.

The author also taps classic game theory models such as the Nash equilibrium and the prisoner’s paradox. Not to be missed is their relevance to negotiation, specifically on the components of information access, timing, and credibility. He also takes pain to differentiate between cooperative and non-cooperative (aka competitive) games, where the strategy should fit the situation.

Scott describes game theory as a fresh lens by which the executive can secure greater advantage. “Lens” is an apt metaphor. The reader is rewarded with heightened clarity as he studies the content and works through the exercises.? Mastering the Game is an incredibly rich and provocative book, and one feels this deep satisfaction at the endgame. Read it and become a true master!

To learn more about the author and his work, go to

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/jaysonlo/

https://www.jaysonlo.com

Also check out his signature YOUnique books and talks, which match your personality style to your work, relationships, and the other aspects of life that are important to you.

Contact him the next time your organization needs a motivational speaker, workshop facilitator, or consultant.?

To order your copy of Mastering the Game, go to

https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Game-Executive-Directors-Amplifying-ebook/dp/B0CCK5Z8CX

About the Reviewer: Nelson T. Dy is an author, speaker, trainer and coach for career, relationship, and spirituality issues. His day job is being an Assistant Vice-President running two factories for a well-known beverage conglomerate. He is among the Top 100 Filipinos to follow on Linkedin in 2021.

Follow Nelson at https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/nelsontdy/ and subscribe to his Youtube Channel @nelsos he continues to share his insights through posts such as the one you just enjoyed.