Play
A practice of injecting humor, fun, and game design into everyday situations so we can accelerate learning and collaborations to be in a more open mindset.
When to Apply Play
We have been taught that work and play are different, and play is unproductive or lacks gravitas. But play is about letting go and being in-the-moment. Use it in your teams to shift the mindset, introduce a difficult topic, or "break-the-ice" with new people.
"Our ability to play throughout life is the single most important factor in determining our success and happiness."
– Dr. Stuart Brown
National Institute of Play
How to Practice Play
- 1
Energizers: Bring in a playful, 5-minute activity at the start of your meeting to change the mindset of your team. Science says teams that start with a small activity at the start will produce more novel ideas than teams who don't
- 2
Environment: Mix up your work environment. Have a meeting outside, change up your Zoom background, add music at the start of your meeting
- 3
Game Mechanics: Gamify your everyday routines and activities
- 3
Permission: Give yourself, and peers, permission to be playful
- 4
Suspend Judgment: Hold off on critiquing what is fun for others
- 6
Small Steps: Do one small playful thing EVERY day
Download the Play Guide
Get access to a detailed guide on how to apply this behavior in your practice
Download now
The
Deliberate Play Guide
Additional Tips & Resources!
The Curiosity Box: A Solution to the Recurring Cycle of Ennui
“Shut off your devices!” I had reached my boiling point. My 10-year-old son was blithely staring at his phone, while simultaneously playing on his Xbox....
Read more
24 Hours of YES
How many times have you ignored, flouted and thoroughly defecated on someone else’s idea?
Read More
3 Lessons that Coaching Wrestling Taught Me About Being an Entrepreneur
Sport is a powerful metaphor for life. From Vince Lombardi to Billy Jean King, their wisdom transcends sport itself and provides insight into our everyday lives....
Read More
