Business lessons I learned from playing (actual) games
by Hillary Kirtland

I wasn’t always a board-gamer.

I’ve always liked games, but I didn’t really get into them until a friend (and her generous, yet competitive family) taught me a simple yet cutthroat game of cards called Shanghai. That was my gateway into many game nights that would begin to mold me into the person I am today. Playing board games brought me closer to friends, created nights of endless joy, taught me the art of friendly trash talk, and gave me plenty of the memories that shaped me personally. Playing board games also provided an unexpected combination of business lessons in strategy, interpersonal relationships, continuous learning, goal setting, and work ethic that shaped me as a professional. Here are just a few of the most impactful lessons I use every day

(1) Never fear changing your strategy when you need to adapt.

I was introduced to game nights through a very cutthroat card game, where every round has a new goal and a new set of cards to work with. Every player adjusts their style with each round (and sometimes more than once throughout the round) to improve their odds of achieving each new goal. I find that business moves just as fast, and as in the game of Shanghai, success depends on your ability to continuously adapt over time. What you thought would play out doesn’t always turn out to be reality. If you don’t learn to pivot when old strategies no longer apply, you’ll inevitably find yourself struggling to catch up, and you may end up in professional limbo. If you don’t risk the uncertainty of trying something new, you will certainly risk falling behind. 

(2) Make sure you’re contributing to the team.

Who I play with matters more to my success—and my enjoyment—than whatever game we’re playing. I learned my best teamwork lessons in games of collaboration (like Pandemic), where everyone is playing against the board and cooperation trumps anyone’s individual strategy. The most important predictor of success in games like this is how well we each take on our own role to support the team. Being the best contributor to the group I’m playing with is what improves the entire group’s chances of winning the game—you either win together or lose together. 

(3) Understanding people is just as important as understanding the game.

The best lessons in negotiations I’ve ever had were finding ways to give away my excess sheep in exchange for replenishing my shortage of ore in Settlers of Catan. Getting what you want from a competitor—who is also trying to gain an advantage over you—is more about the person on the other side of the table than anything else. Knowing the game is foundational, but the difference between success and failure in these situations lies in the nuance of finding a compromise that serves as a benefit to both parties. Nothing could be truer about business negotiations. Finding a middle ground that can play to all parties’ interests is an art that can only be learned through experience. 

(4) Pay attention to the lessons you learn along the way.

There are games like Carcassonne, where you build the board as you go and every person’s turn has the potential to hurt you or help you. You get to see everyone’s strategies play out in real time and are constantly learning new ways to leverage pieces you may have previously thought were useless. These kinds of games force you to be present and make the best move with what you have and what’s already in play. You cannot know how everything will play out, so always look for the take-away when you get bested by another player. In business scenarios you may not always have the “right” answer, but finding ways to apply the lessons-learned at your next opportunity makes all the difference. 

(5) Distractions can be costly.

Without a North Star, you can find yourself pulled in too many directions and tracking to nothing related to where you want to go. I learned this lesson in games like Dominion, where the end goal is seemingly contradictory to the avenues (and types of cards) you need to get there. It’s easy to deviate and get lost along the way. Every time I’ve lost sight of the end goal in Dominion (even for just a few turns), I’ve lost the game. Learning to check in with my goals, level-setting the reality of what I’m trying to do, and making sure I’m not getting distracted is no longer just a hallmark of my personality—it’s a cornerstone of my professional success.

(6) Use the rules to your (ethical) advantage.

There are definitely lines that can easily be crossed when anyone gets too creative with rules. Some people even flat-out break them by putting “house rules” in their place. The most important business application I learned from this is learning why the rules exist in the first place. Understanding the intent behind my company’s conduct guidelines, code of ethics, operational procedures, and even organizational culture helps me avoid the morally ambiguous gray area that can become such a slippery slope. Then, I can work from a place of integrity instead of manipulation.

(7) It’s not over until it’s over. 

Giving up should not be an option if the game is still in play. There will be plenty of times when the statistics may say that you have an extremely low probability of success, but the existence of any probability means that you still have a chance. If a chance exists (and it tracks back to your goals), it’s worth going for. There is always a little bit of luck and timing involved, and it may not work out. However, when it does, you’ll be so glad you didn’t just walk away.

(8) Leave it all on the table—then leave it all at the table.

Everyone I know, knows the kind of relationship-ending arguments that can go down over a game of Monopoly. But the challenges that come with a game should never stop you from playing it. Separate the game from your personal reality. Even if you’re getting completely destroyed by your best friend (who is singing “Sorry Not Sorry” at the top of her lungs), you can fiercely duke it out and leave any residual bitterness behind. If you make her eat her words by winning, make sure to leave any gloating behind, as well. Do your best to do the same at work—bring everything you’ve got to the conference table, meeting, or boardroom, but never make it personal or carry it with you when you’re done.

It’s all fun and games until you mean business; then it’s the perfect opportunity to apply what you already know. Board games are a great (and fun) way to build your professional savvy. At the end of the day (or the end of the game), you can only do your best. So grab a group a friends, get together, and get playing!

Hillary works as a Senior Strategy Consultant at IBM. She found her passion for her new job in the two years she took off work to pursue a full-time, Global MBA degree at George Washington University in Washington DC. She is driven by her constant curiosity and her truest love is for travel and adventure. Having moved to California in early 2019, outside work you can find her planning her next trip, exploring her local beaches, reading a book, or wandering along a new hiking trail.