In power poker, someone has to lose; maybe multiple people. They may lose a debate or a vote, but they also lose their confidence, patience, trust, willingness to collaborate and the opportunity to learn. When we take intentional actions that value others, create a sense of acceptance, provide opportunities to learn and facilitate collaborative solutions, our meetings become something others don’t dread; a place where stress is addressed with patience and acknowledgement and people feel safe enough to contribute ideas, ask questions and verbalize opinions.