Archive for January, 2010

What if your work was fun?

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

This 2 minute video is a great example of what a difference a little fun makes in our desire to do things, even things we know we “should” do (like exercise) and things we intend to do (like learn a new skill).

Inserting a little fun helps create playspace which entices us to engage in activities we might otherwise avoid/put off, and it energizes us and leaves us more open to new ideas, perspectives, and generally more connected to our fellow humans.

What if we spent a little more time thinking about ways to make key aspects of organizational life more fun?

Lady GaGa and Permission-Giving

Monday, January 11th, 2010

“I didn’t fit in in high school and I felt like a freak. So I like to create this atmosphere for my fans where they feel like they have a freak in me to hang out with and they don’t feel alone. The whole point of what I do – The Monster Ball, the music, the performance aspect of it – I want to create a space for my fans where they can feel free and they can celebrate.”

In From Workplace to Playspace, I write about “Permission-givers.” They are the people who either by their example or encouragement give us permission to risk showing our whole selves, risk stepping out of our comfort zone and experimenting with new ways of thinking and being, and risk the discomfort that comes with learning and transformation.

Lady GaGa is a wonderful permission-giver and creator of playspace. She is also a “permission-taker” as she doesn’t wait to find out what the rules are, or wait for anyone else to give her permission, she just takes it. And by taking it and pushing the boundaries through her behavior, wild costumes and music, she opens up space for others to play with their own identities and capacities.

If you pay attention, you will find permission-givers and takers in every field, and in every successful organization. They are the people who don’t take themselves too seriously to play around with new and provocative possibilities, and risk doing things differently. They may challenge you out of your comfort zone simply by the non-traditional way they show up in the world. As they do, they are making more playspace for everyone.

One of the simplest ways you can create more playspace in your work and personal life is to notice and appreciate the permission-givers. Even better, be one yourself!

Ah . . . the (New Year’s) space!

Saturday, January 2nd, 2010

One of the things I love about the start of the new year is that it seems to open up so many possibilities for new beginnings. In the last few days I have had several conversations with friends and colleagues about what they are looking forward to in this shiny new decade, and what changes they are making. It doesn’t matter if the changes are health and fitness-related, family, personal development, or professional—they all seem possible with this new expanse of space.

For me, much of my optimism about the new year and the positive changes ahead is grounded in some of the best experiences of the past year. I have seen heightened engagement and innovation in my clients, huge strides made by my adult students, and exciting new frontiers in my own personal and professional life. All of these fuel my sense of what is possible in the new year, and are guiding me.

When I see people working at their best, it is with a sense of purpose as they are engaged in something they care about and that they know is making a difference. They are also doing so, in authentic communities where they feel support and encouragement and are also stretched and challenged. These themes are guiding me as I think about what I want to create in the new year and what conditions I need to create to ensure my success.

There also seems to be something to transparency and accountability. If you think so, too, you might want to check out this cool new web site, that helps you be accountable to yourself for the changes you want to make by putting cash on the line to keep you on track: http://www.stickk.com.