Want to be good negotiator? Play these board games
What's the story
Family board games can be an effective way to improve negotiation skills. These games often require players to strategize, communicate, and make decisions that can influence the outcome. By engaging in these activities, individuals can learn how to negotiate better in real-life situations. Here are five family board games that focus on negotiation skills, offering fun and educational experiences for all ages.
Resource trading
Settlers of Catan: Resource trading
Settlers of Catan is a classic board game where players trade resources to build settlements and cities. The game encourages players to negotiate trades with each other to gain the necessary resources for expansion. This dynamic helps players understand the value of resources and develop strategies for effective bargaining. The need for collaboration and competition makes it a great tool for honing negotiation skills.
Strategic bargaining
Monopoly: Strategic bargaining
Monopoly is all about buying properties and making deals with other players. The game requires players to negotiate trades for properties or money, making them think strategically about their moves. Players learn how to assess the value of assets and make offers that are attractive yet beneficial. The competitive nature of Monopoly also teaches players how to handle pressure during negotiations.
Economic strategy
Power grid: Economic strategy
Power Grid combines economic strategy with negotiation as players bid on power plants and compete for resources like coal or oil. The game requires players to negotiate deals for resources while keeping an eye on their budget. This setup helps players develop skills in economic reasoning and effective communication during negotiations.
Route planning
Ticket to Ride: Route planning negotiations
Ticket to Ride revolves around building train routes across maps by collecting cards of different colors. Players often have to negotiate with each other over card exchanges or route plans that may conflict with their own objectives. This game teaches players how to identify mutual benefits through negotiation while considering opponents' needs.
Strategic alliances
Diplomacy: Strategic alliances
Diplomacy is all about forming alliances between countries in a bid to gain power through negotiation rather than combat. Players must communicate effectively, form alliances, break them if needed, all while keeping their long-term goals in mind. This game gives you a deep understanding of the complexities of diplomacy, teaching you how to negotiate through trust-building and strategic planning.