Herding Tigers Bonus Episode! Optimizing: You're Probably Playing Different Games at the Same Table

In this bonus episode of Herding Tigers, Todd Henry explores the hidden source of organizational tension: people optimizing for different goals, even when working at the same table. Drawing from recent speaking engagements at Adobe Summit, World at Work, and a virtual event with On, Henry argues that conflict often stems not from personality clashes or poor communication, but from unspoken differences in what individuals and teams are trying to achieve. He identifies key optimization drivers—such as stability, recognition, autonomy, craft, efficiency, income, comfort, and purpose—and emphasizes that none are inherently wrong. The real challenge for leaders is to name their own optimization priorities, become curious about others', and have open conversations about these underlying motivations. By making the invisible visible, teams can transform competitive tensions into productive dialogue, leveraging diversity of focus rather than trying to force uniformity. The episode concludes with a challenge to leaders: ask your team what they're optimizing for and ensure those values are acknowledged and respected. The episode offers a practical framework for leadership that values psychological safety, self-awareness, and intentional communication. It reframes conflict as a natural byproduct of diverse motivations rather than a failure of management. Key takeaways include the importance of self-reflection, empathetic inquiry, and naming competing goals to foster alignment without erasing individuality. The tone is reflective, encouraging, and deeply practical, with a strong emphasis on human-centered leadership in creative environments.