Play and fun do not generally get included into company visions and personal development plans. We think of play as a child’s thing, having no place in the adult world of real responsibilities and achievements. Yet study after study have shown the importance of play in the development of socio-emotional control, resilience, and creativity – all of which are critically important to successful productivity in the working worlds of adults. Keeping our brains and hearts open to exploration and experimentation – necessities of strategic innovation and strong leadership – requires us to continuously cultivate a space for play.

Dr. Peter Gray studies play. He looks at how play is a biological and evolutionary strategy on nature’s part to ensure that mammals acquire the necessary skills to relate to others, bounce back from obstacles, and grow. The bigger the mammal brain, the more play. Self-directed play, in particular, is what gives learning its power. It also makes life a whole lot more fun.

Play helps us to be more creative, more innovative, and more productive.