Why are adults often resistant to PLAY in the workplace?
Are we afraid to look ‘unprofessional’? Are we afraid that we might look silly in front of our co-workers? Are we afraid that play is a waste of valuable time?
Maybe we are just afraid!
It has been scientifically proven that play relieves stress, boosts creativity, improves brain function, and improves our relationship with other people by fostering trust with others.
I facilitate a lot of Strategic Planning sessions … typically clients want a facilitator to keep the discussion on track, and the meeting on schedule. When I suggest infusing structured play into the meetings, 90% of the time the response is the same … ‘We can’t waste time playing games! This is serious!’
I believe this response is also rooted in fear. The person who hires the facilitator is sometimes afraid to look irresponsible in front of their colleagues for hiring someone who wants to ‘play games’.
… So, my approach is to ask for permission to start with something simple and engaging to kick off the meeting. When everyone in the room feels the energy surge, and the discussion fraught with innovative ideas reaches new heights, the concept of structured play is embraced … and often craved!
Guests come back to the room after breaks and can’t wait to dive back in to the meeting. Why? … because they are truly enjoying it and experiencing incredibly positive outcomes.
So the next time you feel trapped in a boring meeting, please remember these words!
“The creation of something new is not accomplished by intellect but by the play instinct.” – Carl Jung
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Marilyn
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