In this foundational episode, we dive deep into two crucial chapters from Personality Poker that will shape how you approach the game—and yourself. Before you can get your “perfect hand,” it’s essential to understand your preferred, adapted, desired, and opposite styles—and how confusing them can lead to burnout or missed opportunities. You’ll hear powerful stories that illustrate the difference between what you’re good at and what truly energizes you. You’ll also learn why traits you might dismiss—like being “disorganized” or “overly sensitive”—could actually be your greatest strengths when viewed from the right angle. Then we get tactical. You’ll discover how to play Personality Poker in three formats: Solitaire, Gifting, and Poker. Whether you’re flying solo, diving deep with a trusted team, or shaking things up with a large group, this episode gives you the tools and insights to get the most out of the game.
In this foundational episode, we explore two essential chapters from Personality Poker that will help you better understand yourself—and how to play the game effectively.
Before you try to build your “perfect hand,” it’s critical to understand the difference between the four major styles:
✅ Preferred Style – What comes naturally to you and gives you energy
⚙️ Adapted Style – Traits you’ve developed out of necessity, often for your job
🌟 Desired Style – Who you wish you were, even if it’s not natural
🚫 Opposite Style – Traits that don’t fit you at all (and never will)
You’ll also learn why distinguishing between these can be surprisingly difficult—and why misidentifying your style can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, or poor team dynamics.
We also dive into the concept of your Strong Suit on Steroids—how the traits you might see as flaws (e.g., being disorganized or overly sensitive) are often just overextended strengths. These are not weaknesses—they’re your superpowers in disguise.
Then we walk through how to play Personality Poker in three formats:
1. Solitaire (Play Solo or with a Close Friend)
Use a 3- or 5-pile sorting method
Uncover which traits energize you, which ones drain you, and which ones you rarely get to use (but should!)
2. Gifting (Play with a Small Team of 4–20 People)
Choose cards for yourself and give cards to others
Share heartfelt stories to build trust, deepen connection, and feel seen
3. Poker (Play with Larger Teams of 15+ People)
Trade and refine your cards like in five-card draw
Discover your ideal role—and who you need on your team for balance
Optional: End with a gifting round to reinforce how others see your strengths
Being good at something doesn’t mean it’s your strength
Learned/adapted behaviors can lead to burnout over time
Unused strengths are often hidden opportunities
The 2, 3, and 4 cards (your shadow side) may hold your biggest insights
The goal: build a hand that reflects your true nature, not who you think you should be
Personality Poker is based on the Q-sort method, a well-established psychological technique used since the 1950s. But unlike traditional assessments, this one is interactive, fast, fun, and deeply human.
Want to play? Grab a deck, pick your format, and let the insights begin.
Visit personalitypoker.com to learn more or get your cards.