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But if you've ever joined a game of Texas Hold'em or tuned into a nail-biting round in the World Series💸 of Poker, you know there are a number of ways to play that hand.

In fact, there are four basic styles💸 of poker play, defined by the type of action you take (whether you're more "passive" or "aggressive") and how often💸 you are inclined to take action ("loose" players will play a variety of hands; "tight" players are much more choosy).💸 Most players tend to stick to one main approach, but there's definitely a lot to learn from observing how others💸 behave, too.

The same can be said for how you operate at work. Is your contribution to the office brainstorm an💸 approving nod? Or are you the one who makes the bold move that will change your company's landscape?

Here's a rundown💸 of the four styles, how they might play out on the job, and how to use your type—and that of💸 others—to your advantage.

Tight Passives tend to sit back, observing (and judging) while other players make big moves. Even if they've💸 got a decent hand, they figure someone else's is probably better.

In the office, these are the people who tend to💸 hold back while letting others unleash a monsoon of ideas. Rather than sharing a strategy that might end up in💸 the muck pile, they hang tight, then get back to whatever they were doing prior to that uncomfortable meeting.

But unless💸 they get really lucky, these passive players are guaranteed to miss opportunities to get ahead. Someone else, who's willing to💸 take a bit of a chance, will always sweep all the chips off the (board room) table and win.

So, if💸 you find yourself heading into a situation with a tight passive mindset, remember the lesson of poker: You might save💸 yourself from big losses, but you're not likely to see big wins—especially in the form of new opportunities, promotions, or💸 raises.

How Can You Be Most Effective?

Be confident in yourself and your ideas. Yes, someone may have a great idea, but💸 who's to say yours isn't better? Big or small, start sharing your thoughts and be open to the learning opportunity💸 it provides.

With a touch more audacity, Tight Passives can assume the envied role of a TAG, widely believed to be💸 the winningest poker style. Tight Aggressives don't play every hand—they tend to hold out until the time is right. But💸 when they do play? They bet—and can win—big.

Take a cue from this style in the office. You've got to “know💸 when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.” When you have a great idea, share it. If you're not💸 so sure it will fly, hold off. There will be another meeting or project that calls for your area of💸 expertise or special set of skills, and you will know it's the right time for you to make your mark.💸 Others will be sure to notice your judiciousness, and when you do go all in, you're almost certain to pitch💸 a winning idea.

How Can You Be Most Effective?

Use those keen observation skills to read the room and pinpoint the perfect💸 time to share your big idea, then reap the benefits of a perfectly-timed pitch.

Loose Aggressives can win too, and they💸 can win big—they play often, and they're not scared of betting.

At work, a Loose Aggressive hears, “This program is successful"💸 and raises you, “Let's start one in China." While this could lead to big results, it's important to remember that💸 not everyone's on board with such big plays, so read the room before you go all in.

Or, if you're in💸 the presence of a Loose Aggressive, you could use the opportunity to say, “Ms. Shark, I hear where you're going💸 with this. California might be a start. Let's team up and outline a five-year plan." After she has shaken everyone💸 at the table with her loosey-goosey aggro play, you can sneak in a strategic move that saves the day.

How Can💸 You Be Most Effective?

Always explain why you think your idea works, and share a timeline for getting it done. That💸 way, you can guide people through your thinking and have a better shot at getting everyone on board.

The Loose Passive💸 is your friendly neighborhood tagalong, all grown up. He loves the reward of riding in the ice cream truck but💸 would never risk stealing it. In poker, the Loose Passive plays a lot of hands, but rarely raises the stakes.

In💸 the office, he's a people-pleaser. “Great idea! I'm on board." He is not the ideas man.

Granted, these types of co-workers💸 are great. They stay in the game until the end. They don't fold. They work late to get the job💸 done. They may not pitch that big idea, but they'll be behind you when you do.

How Can You Be Most💸 Effective?

While the loose passive has some great qualities, loyalty for one, they can miss out on the thrill of seeing💸 their idea come to life. So if you don't want to miss out, ask your co-worker for advice on how💸 they come up with and share their ideas. You've proved you're always there for them, and it's likely they'll do💸 the same.

Whatever your style, don't stray too far from your nature—but do pick up tactics by watching differently oriented peers,💸 especially if you tend to be passive. There's a saying in poker: Scared money never wins. You don't need to💸 play every hand, but don't be afraid to play.

Improve your performance by collecting information for future use. What does your💸 boss value? What does she already respect about you? Look for feedback, and the responses others have received. Use what💸 you glean to tweak your style, or to learn what kinds of proposals will fly when you are ready to💸 double down (who's ready for some Blackjack?).

The most successful people in the game—or in the office—are always the keenest observers.

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