Playing to Win: How much play should you have at work?
summary
A case for scheduled, small-group play as a measurable team investment: a quick rock paper scissors round raises dopamine, increases vigilance, creativity and short‑term memory, and practices graceful losing; weekly 15–20 minute sessions plus monthly play lunches convert that into improved feedback habits via neuroplasticity. Choose games by mechanism: avoid deception games, use team‑vs‑team (foosball) to practice tactics and compromise, use cooperative games like escape room or Telestrations to develop a growth mindset and cross‑role collaboration; best timing is post‑lunch low vigilance.
AI-written summary · about
chapters (8)
- 0:00Strategic play at work
- 1:23Rock-paper-scissors matters
- 3:31Play strengthens teams
- 5:37Introducing games at work
- 7:03Game types for culture
- 9:35Team drawing game example
- 11:25Timing for play at work
- 12:28Summary
related talks
39mNext Step: Play Time!
44mPlay! Or: How to Get Better While Playing
17mKnow the game you are in - and you will not win
49mUnleash Your Play Brain: Playing Your Way Towards a Happier Adulthood
57mDon’t Be Dilbert: Survival Tactics for Uninspiring Workplaces
40m“It’s all a matter of Perspective.” Incorporating Play to Help Solve Problems
47mThe Importance of Fun in the Workplace
37mWhat to Think About, if You're Thinking About Building a Team?
