Why Your Workplace Should Be More Like Clown-School

Can you recall the last time you truly let out a belly-laugh at work?

Have you recently sat down and allowed your imagination to run wild?  

How often do you get totally lost in play during your work day?

Leading researchers in the field have found that play is critical to brain development, problem-solving skills and our ability to engage in social interactions. Which instinctively we know is true for children, but the truth is that play is not just for the young or the young at heart. Play is an essential human drive for all of us. 

Dr Stuart Brown is a leading expert on the role of play in our lives. In his book ‘Play’ he states that ‘the opposite of play is not work, it is depression’. Ignoring the role that play makes in our lives and workplaces can be stifling. On the other hand, unleashing the power of play at work opens up explorations and possibilities. 

One of the experiments that Dr Brown talks about in his book is a professor who trained otters to swim through a hoop using rewards (that part wasn’t so ground-breaking). What made this experiment fascinating was when the naturally playful otters started adding variations. Some were swimming through the hoop backwards, some were swimming through and then swimming back again, some were stopping half-way through and waiting for their reward (I’m giggling just thinking about it!). Through these playful explorations the otters were testing the boundaries of the ‘game’ and were exploring others ways to ‘play’. 

In the same way humans who unlock play in the workplace start exploring and testing out other possibilities. It is through this process that we discover what works. Whether it is a process for managing staff, the way you connect with customers, or even the way you organise the staff roster, have a play with alternative ways of doing it. 

The following are three ideas for ‘playing up’ at work:

1. Embrace your inner child - find ways to add more giggles to your day
2. Consider how you can add colour, pictures, music, toys into the mix
3. Create an environment where all ideas are nurtured and supported

If you are looking for more connected 

team members, if you crave greater 

personal problem-solving from the people around you, if you are desperate for individuals to take the initiative and come up with new approaches then put away the team meetings, put on your red-nose and 

go play!

 

Playfully yours, 

 

Darren & Alison

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THE GIFT: Need more motivation to feel playful? 

Have a look at some of our favourite gems: 

1. Turn up the volume and watch the clip on this fun website:www.youcantbeserious.com.au   
2. This blog is full of colour, life and play: http://colormekatie.blogspot.com/ 
3. ???? Let us know about your favourite, heart-warming website, blog, page, place!

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The PLUG: Dealing with the Tough Stuff Program General Sessions

After the amazing success of our Dealing With the Tough Stuff Exclusive Showcase, three general sessions will be presented between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  Want to know why you don't want to miss them?  Check out more Rave Reviews!

Brisbane
Thursday 28 July 2011
**ONLY 4 SEATS LEFT, don't miss out register today with Matt on 0418 577 277 ormatt@pragmaticthinking.com
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: John Wiley and Sons. 42 McDougall St, Milton. Qld.  4064.


Gold Coast
Thursday 31 August 2011
Time: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Location: Australian Institute of Management (AIM) Gold CoastParking available off Waterfront Place, Robina.  4226.

Having trouble delivering results from critical conversations?

'Dealing with the Tough Stuff' gives you, your management or organisation practical tools to deal with the really tough conversations within your workplace.

Many managers struggle with the process of dealing with tough conversations and in many cases actually avoid them completely.  This strategy of avoidance reinforces undesired behaviours and may precipitate further problems.

One of the biggest responsibilities with a leadership position is the importance of addressing and dealing with staff issues.  At times this requires you to 'step up to the plate' and ultimately deal with the tough stuff.

Visit www.toughstuffprogram.com for more information on Dealing with the Tough Stuff.

To register your interest  for a Dealing with the Tough Stuff program either on the Gold Coast or in Brisbane on please contact Matt on 0418 577 277 or matt@pragmaticthinking.com.