Spades, Strategy, and Career Moves: How a Card Game Taught Me About Growth and Peace

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on growth—not just the big wins, but the slow, steady stretch that happens when we step into new challenges. Oddly enough, that reflection started while I was playing a game of spades on my phone.

Spades reminds me of my father. He taught me how to play. He and my uncles could play for hours—cards slapping, trash talk flowing, and laughter echoing through the house. As a child, I thought it was just a fun game. Now, I realize it was also a masterclass in strategy, trust, and decision-making under pressure.

It’s funny how games can mirror life.

And in many ways, spades mirrors our professional journeys—the projects we take on, the partnerships we build, and the risks we weigh when pursuing a promotion, switching careers, or finally raising our hand in the meeting.

Here are a few lessons the game has taught me—ones I now see clearly in my career, and maybe you'll recognize in yours too.

1. You Have to Play the Hand You’re Dealt

In spades, you don’t get to choose your cards. Sometimes you get a great hand, sometimes… not so much.

In your career, the “hand” might be your current job, limited resources, or missed opportunities. But success—and peace—don’t come from complaining about the hand. They come from playing it well.

Learning to lead from where you are, taking initiative even in less-than-ideal circumstances, or finding creative ways to upskill with what you’ve got—that’s strategy. That’s resilience.

And that’s how you make progress, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

2. Partnerships Matter—Pay Attention

Spades is a partnership game. You succeed by reading your partner’s moves, staying in sync, and having each other’s back.

In the workplace, your “partner” could be your manager, a mentor, a colleague, or even your team. And just like in the game, if you're not paying attention, you might "cut" them—stepping on their toes or making moves that throw off the synergy.

Trust is easy to lose and hard to rebuild. And many of us unknowingly sabotage partnerships by being too independent, too distracted, or too reactive. True professional growth comes from learning to collaborate thoughtfully. Your success often hinges on how well you move in rhythm with others.

3. You’ve Got to Bid—Even When You’re Unsure

This is where the game gets real. You look at your hand and make a bid. It’s a calculated risk. Underbid, and you sell yourself short. Overbid, and you get set back.

In your career, the bid might be applying for that leadership role, starting that certification, or speaking up with your idea in front of senior leadership. It’s that moment you decide to take a chance.

And that reminds me of something my mother used to say.

She told me that when she was growing up, young men would ask girls, “Are you willing to take a chance?” It was their way of asking: Are you open to something new? Something uncertain? Something that might stretch you beyond where you are now?

That phrase has stuck with me, because it doesn’t just apply to dating. It applies to every opportunity in life—and especially in our careers.

Most professionals I talk to know they need to take more chances—to develop new skills, build their brand, speak more, ask for more, or step out of comfort zones. But fear creeps in. So does doubt.

And here’s where peace comes in.

Take Chances—But Protect Your Peace

Peace doesn’t mean playing small. It means staying grounded while playing big.

It’s knowing who you are even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s making bold moves without letting anxiety rule the game. It’s taking calculated risks because you’ve done the inner work to trust your instincts and prepare your mind.

You don’t have to chase every opportunity in chaos mode.

You can strategically bid—based on your skills, your values, and your vision—and protect your peace while doing it.

So, What’s Your Next Move?

Spades taught me to work with what I’ve got. To honor partnerships. To take risks. And to stay calm and focused, even when I’m unsure.

So I’ll leave you with this:

Play your hand.
Protect your peace.
And be willing to take the chance.

Your next level won’t come from standing still.

Let’s move forward—thoughtfully, boldly, and with intention.

💬 What’s a “bid” you’ve been hesitant to make in your career? Share in the comments or message me—let’s encourage each other to keep playing.