Play Isn't Just for Children

My daughter in the playground of a Swiss intercity train

I ran a workshop for a leadership team last week and, at the end, the most senior person said: “Thanks for reminding us how fun it can be to try new things.”

One of the hidden sadnesses of work is how we stop experimenting. Like children becoming adults, we settle into roles, grow cautious and stop playing.

The reason kids play is that they need to learn how the world works. “If I do this, what happens?”.

That’s just as useful in work.

The only difference is that it’s less instinctive.

Take Action

If you’re a leader

Try leading one conversation this week as if you didn’t already know the answer. Ask questions like a new joiner would. You might rediscover something your certainty has been hiding.

If you’re a team member

Notice the ruts. If you catch yourself thinking “this is just how we do it,” try deliberately trying something different small, different thing this week and see what it unlocks.