I love board games.

They pass the time, are generally easy to pick up, and offer a competitive outlet. One of the most popular board games of all-time is Monopoly. It has spawned dozens of spin-offs and would-be imitators.

You’d be hard pressed to find someone who is not familiar with the game. Monopoly enjoys a passionate following, including University Presidents and CEOs.

One can learn a thing or two about life and business from the game of Monopoly, especially in retrospect.

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Lesson 1:

If people don’t like you, even if it’s in their best interest, they will not do business with you

I was preparing to play a game of Monopoly with a few friends while I was in college. Another resident (let’s call her “Stacy”) asked if she could join us. Stacy told us that she had played the game a few times in the past.

It quickly became clear that she didn’t understand the nuances of the game.

She made a number of terrible moves, including declining to buy property and ill-advised trades. I couldn’t contain my disdain for her play and made sure that she knew it.

Against counsel, she completed a mega-deal with another player. This player (we’ll call him “Jeff”) handled her with kid gloves. He never yelled or berated her. He just kept talking to her, reassuring her that she was playing a “good game”.

I still remember the smirk on Jeff’s face as he consummated the deal, all but cementing his victory.

She was so turned off by my criticism that she accepted an inferior deal that ensured she had no chance to win the game. Even Jeff conceded as much after the game was over.

I felt bad about criticizing her play, so I apologized to Stacy the next day.

That old saying about flies, vinegar and honey still rings true. Read More→