Play

Credit: Art-Of-Photo

“Play is the highest form of research” ~ Albert Einstein.

A very good friend of mine reminded me of this quote last week. It’s near and dear to my heart, and perhaps also one I’ve been neglecting a little lately. So it’s time to give some fresh energy to the concept of Play.

And… Before you start thinking I’ve taken a turn in my Insights and started working on the next trilogy of Fifty Shades of Grey, I need to set you straight. This Insight is not about our personal lives and the role of Play. Perhaps you’re hoping I’m moving in that direction, but that’s not the case. This Insight is about the role of Play in leadership.

So let’s define Play in the context of business and leadership.

Play is exploration without fear of failure.

Play starts from the moment we’re born. Children instinctively learn by testing boundaries, trying roles, and pushing limits. Then, when we grow up, we get brainwashed that there’s no longer a role for Play in our lives. Once elementary school is over and high school begins, the role of Play starts to be downplayed. The world around us, our educational systems, and our parents all drive most of us towards Performance.

Unfortunately, Performance trumps Play. Performance washes Play out completely. Fear of failure…