12 Leadership Lessons from
a Family Game Night

The Living Room Leadership Lab

Leadership lessons often emerge in boardrooms or strategy sessions. But they also unfold in unexpected moments.

During a recent trip to Nashville to visit my oldest son and his family, I landed in the middle of a leadership case study I never saw coming. The setting? My son’s living room. The occasion? Family game night. The players? My grandchildren—ages thirteen, eight, five, and three—and a few enthusiastic adults. The game? Quiplash.

A simple family game night became a vivid study of motivation, decision-making, and emotional intelligence, reinforcing principles that drive outstanding leadership in any setting.

If you’re unfamiliar with Quiplash, it’s a fast-paced, interactive party game where players respond to funny prompts and vote on the best answers. It’s designed for adults, but we made it a family affair.

We decided to split into teams. Almost immediately, my eight-year-old grandson Isaiah shouted, “I’m on GiGi’s team!” Within seconds, my five-year-old granddaughter Aya chimed in, “No! I want to be on GiGi’s team!” Cue the back-and-forth. Isaiah told Aya she could be on Clarence’s team (my husband), which she didn’t seem thrilled about. They went a few more rounds before Aya finally agreed to join Clarence.

I’ll admit—it felt good to be the popular pick. At that moment, GiGi was in high demand.

From Game Night to Leadership Insight

The night started lighthearted, but when the leaderboard appeared, the dynamic shifted. Disappointment surfaced. Motivation wavered. And right there, over a playful game, powerful leadership lessons emerged.

Here are twelve principles every leader can carry forward.

1. Not Every Conflict Needs a Referee

When Isaiah and Aya debated their teams, the adults let them resolve it. Their parents didn’t intervene. Neither did Clarence nor I, at least not immediately.

Not every disagreement needs a referee. Sometimes, the most effective leadership move is stepping back and allowing others to navigate tension independently. Leaders who trust others to manage conflict build resilience and self-awareness within their teams.

2. Trust Is Built Before It’s Needed

The best leaders understand that trust is a long-term investment. We can’t earn trust in a single moment. We build it through consistency, presence, and small interactions.

Isaiah and Aya wanted to be on my team because they believed I would create a fun and supportive experience. That trust formed gradually through our past connections.

3. Safe Spaces Fuel Growth

A few rounds into the game, I noticed Aya’s smile fading, her shoulders slumping. She looked at me, eyes pleading. When I asked what the matter was, she said, barely above a whisper, “I’m losing.” No tantrums. Just disappointment.

I leaned in and asked, “Do you want to be on my team?” She gave a tiny nod, the kind that tugs at your heart. I looked over at Clarence. He smiled and said, “It’s okay.”

We made the switch. Aya joined my team, and Isaiah moved to Clarence’s without missing a beat.

Her score improved slightly, but more importantly, her mood lifted. That progress changed everything.

Effective leaders provide environments where people feel safe to express concerns and seek the right conditions for growth.

4. People Need Both Belonging and Progress

Aya didn’t need to win. She needed support. But she also wanted movement toward a better outcome. Initially, she stayed with Clarence’s team, hoping things would improve. When they didn’t, she sought a new strategy.

People disengage when they feel stagnant. Whether in business or life, leaders who provide growth opportunities keep teams invested and energized.

5. Progress Keeps People Engaged

Excitement may kick off an endeavor, but sustainable motivation hinges on results.

Isaiah started the game energized but grew quieter as his score dropped. Though he didn’t quit, his engagement dipped.

When leaders connect effort to progress, they help people stay motivated, whether they’re guiding a team, a client, or a company.

6. Fit and Support Matter

Quiplash moves fast, requires quick reading, and rewards wit. Some players thrived—others struggled.

In leadership, underperformance isn’t always about ability. Often, it’s about fit. Hiring the right talent is critical, but ensuring people have the resources and support to thrive is equally essential.

Leaders who set people up for success create stronger teams and better business outcomes.

7. Leadership Comes with Expectations

Leadership is about connection and credibility.

When Aya switched teams, it wasn’t just about being with GiGi. It was about believing she’d get a better result. Clarence saw that, too. “She expected me to deliver,” he said.

When people follow us, they carry hope. Our role is to meet that hope with readiness and responsibility. That’s what transforms trust into traction.

8. Confident Leaders Celebrate Growth

Clarence didn’t hesitate when Aya asked to switch teams. Later, he shared, “When someone wants to move toward something they think is better, you should be happy for them.”

Confident leaders don’t cling to followers. They empower them to grow, even if that means stepping aside.

9. Leaders Adapt

Isaiah made his team switch without protest. He adjusted without resistance.

Sometimes, leadership isn’t about pushing for what you want but supporting the team and moving forward with agility.

10. Emotions Are Signals, Not Distractions

Effective leaders have a high emotional intelligence (EQ), which requires paying attention to the emotional temperature of the room.  

Aya’s discontent was subtle. She didn’t throw a fit or burst into tears. She just got quiet. Her energy changed. Her expression softened. It would’ve been easy to miss.

Leaders don’t just listen to words. They tune into tone, body language, and silence. EQ helps leaders see what isn’t said—and that awareness makes all the difference.

11. Joy Is Energizing

Despite the leaderboard shifts, team changes, and fleeting frustrations, we laughed—a lot. From the three-year-old’s random interruptions to the adults’ attempts at clever responses, the night was full of joy.

Engagement isn’t always rooted in seriousness. Leaders who infuse joy build trust, reduce stress, and create lasting energy in teams.

12. Leadership Elevates Others

Great leaders lift others to their full potential. Aya and I didn’t win Quiplash, but we strengthened our connection, navigated change, and led together. That’s a win every time.

Lessons for a Lifetime

That night in Nashville was more than just family fun—it was a vivid reminder that leadership happens everywhere.

Every interaction shapes leadership, whether in a game or a business setting. These moments build trust, promote resilience, and reveal what motivates people. Outstanding leadership goes beyond titles. It shows up when we’re paying attention.

I watched as my grandkids navigated disappointment, compromise, and connection. I saw how small shifts in support created meaningful results. And I walked away with twelve leadership lessons I’ll carry for a lifetime.

Coming next week:

Leadership lessons from global disruption. I’ll share what recent tariff uncertainty taught me about leading through change and how every leader can stay grounded when the stakes are high.