Imagine turning your office into a hub of genius-level brainstorming—right on your coffee break, no shower required! But here's where it gets controversial: what if the secret to sparking workplace innovation isn't more grind, but a dash of childlike play?
You've likely experienced those 'aha' moments when brilliant ideas strike in the most unexpected places—like during a relaxing shower (as noted in this Deloitte insight on problem-solving at work). So why shouldn't that spark happen at your job?
'We're compensated to generate our finest thoughts on the job, yet we seldom do, right?' questions Duncan Wardle, who once led innovation and creativity at The Walt Disney Company. Now, he's the founder of ID8, a creative consulting firm, and he shared his wisdom with CNBC Make It during WOBI's World Business Forum in New York City on November 6.
Amid a whirlwind of emails, slides, and back-to-back conferences, many professionals find their roles don't exactly foster creative thinking or groundbreaking ideas (check out these brain exercises from a Stanford creativity expert for faster problem-solving). Plus, Wardle points out, a lot of us simply 'lack the opportunity to ponder' in our busy workdays.
Wardle believes he's cracked the code with what he dubs 'energizers'—quick, 60-second activities crafted to elicit chuckles. By his definition, an energizer is merely 'a brief activity meant to provoke laughter.'
'As soon as I detect laughter, I've essentially bridged your conscious and subconscious minds, transporting you back to that shower-like state where your greatest ideas emerge,' Wardle explains.
He views it as a mental reboot (similar to how one CEO shuts down their multimillion-dollar company for a week quarterly to recharge) to snap you out of autopilot mode at work. The goal? To relax a little and access the imaginative corners of your brain.
Essentially, you're jogging memories of a time when everyone felt inherently creative, Wardle adds. 'When you poll people about the most inventive individuals they've known, they often mention children. What sets kids apart? They engage in play.'
Energizers can be straightforward, like a round of rock, paper, scissors, but Wardle emphasizes that the sillier, the better for maximum impact.
For instance, try this: Pretend you're 'the top designer of parachutes for elephants' and have your team conduct a mock interview about the role. Pass the baton, and the next person might pitch 'selling wallpaper that can't be seen.' These absurd scenarios break down barriers and open up fresh perspectives.
Another energizer draws from classic improv techniques (like these comedy skills that can advance your career). It's called 'Once upon a time,' where one colleague starts a made-up tale with a single sentence, and the next builds on it, continuing the story in turn. This collaborative nonsense can lead to unexpected connections and ideas.
Wardle suggests dedicating a minute or two at the outset of a meeting or brainstorming session to an energizer, then channeling that renewed energy into the task.
'I'm not advocating for constant playfulness throughout the day,' Wardle clarifies. 'But I do believe it's essential during moments of idea generation.'
And this is the part most people miss: could this playful approach revolutionize how we work, or is it just a fleeting gimmick? Do you agree that laughter and games can genuinely fuel productivity, or do you worry it might undermine professionalism? Share your take in the comments—let's debate!
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