Leadership Lessons from Mahjong

𝗟𝗲𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗴.

My journey with this historic game began during Covid—learning to play in a cold garage, N95 on, and plenty of hand sanitizer nearby. But it’s only recently that I’ve started to see the parallels between Mahjong and leadership.

Over the past five years, Mahjong has made a remarkable comeback, connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. It’s more than just a game—it’s a community builder.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝗵𝗷𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽:

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀.

In Mahjong, there isn’t just one way to win; there are countless combinations for a winning hand. The same is true in business—strategy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Sometimes, you have to pivot and adapt, just as you might change your hand mid-game to improve your chances.

𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Mahjong isn’t just about the tiles. The host creates a welcoming space, provides nourishment, and ensures everyone feels included. Like the best leaders, the game is about building community and supporting those around the table.

𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗲 𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲.

Originating in 18th-century China, Mahjong has evolved across generations and continents. Its traditions are passed down and adapted, much like the rituals and values that form the DNA of an organization. Culture changes over time, but the essence remains.

𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹.

I recently taught five of my closest friends how to play. Teaching is a different skill than playing—just as leading is different from doing. We played with open hands, I explained the rules, answered questions, and watched as they quickly surpassed me. That’s leadership: empowering others to grow, so the whole team becomes stronger.

Mahjong isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s complex and requires real mental fortitude. But so does leadership. Both are about strategy, adaptability, community, and helping others succeed.