Know when...

Poker is a game that anyone who has to work in a political environment recognizes as having great lessons worth learning.  I would recommend to anyone working in management or in an administrative position to listen to Kenny Rogers' very old song, The Gambler.  It has just the necessary advice to navigate the political waters semi-successfully (for no one ever navigates through political waters unscathed).

You gotta know when to hold 'em

Know when to fold 'em

Know when to walk away

know when to play

You never count your money

While you're sittin' at the table

There'll be time enough for countin'

When the dealing's done.

Great advice!  Each one of the lines will be experienced by someone who stays in a position for any length of time.  And each time a hand is dealt, a person has to play it through to the end - unless, of course, (s)he wants to get washed out to sea.  Thank you Kenny Rogers for helping me navigate the cards that have been dealt to me.