Who said business must be all suits and spreadsheets? As a business owner, releasing your inner child and creating a joyful workplace can be a game changer.
Imagine closing your next big deal while swinging on a playground or brainstorming your Q4 strategy during a colorful game of croquet. Sounds crazy? Maybe. Effective? Absolutely.
Incorporating play into the workplace doesn’t mean sacrificing professionalism. Instead, it redefines business as usual by demonstrating to your team how much you value creativity, well-being, and genuine connection. I am not suggesting that you don a clown suit and rubber ball nose by any means; but by leading with a sense of joy and playfulness, you demonstrate that hard work, happiness and success can coexist. This approach can make the workplace more far drive better business outcomes (like profitability, productivity, and employee retention, to name a few) through enhanced creativity, engagement, and loyalty.
Burnout is a very real thing, particularly for overextended business owners who spend the preponderance of their days running hard and stressed. By injecting a little fun into the workday, the focus shifts from the never-ending demands of duties, deadlines, and decision-making to a more holistic approach to wellbeing and overall success. Joy, it seems, helps create a sustainable work environment where everyone thrives.
How to Infuse a Little Joy in Your Leadership
- Creativity Unleashed: Your brain on play is your brain at its best. Walking meetings and outdoor brainstorms aren’t just refreshing – they’re idea goldmines. Playfulness and a joyful workplace allow your mind to break free from conventional thinking, fostering innovative solutions to complex problems. A change of scenery and the act of engaging in playful activities stimulate neural pathways, leading to bursts of creativity that might never emerge in a standard office setting.
- Leveled-Up Leadership: When you’re authentic and fun, your team sees the human behind the title. Result? They’re more engaged, more likely to step up, and less likely to ship out. Authenticity in leadership creates trust, and when leaders show their playful side, it breaks down barriers. Employees feel more connected and motivated, fostering a stronger, more cohesive team. This authenticity not only enhances your leadership but also encourages employees to bring their best selves to work, boosts morale, and enhances productivity.
- Culture Transformation: A playful workplace is a magnetic workplace. It attracts new talent and helps retain the great employees you already have. We have all heard of those companies known for their fun and dynamic cultures, historically in the tech industry, and how everyone wants to work for them. Playful environments are synonymous with innovation, inclusivity, and high employee satisfaction. When employees enjoy coming to work, they are more likely to stay, which of course can drastically reduce hiring, training, and retention costs. It is hard to find professionals who are not eager to be part of a lively, creative team – and you probably wouldn’t want them if you could.
- Stress Relief: Laughter is the best medicine, even better when it boosts your bottom line. Play reduces stress, which is not only beneficial for individual well-being but also for your company culture and your organization’s overall health. The math is simple. A joyful workplace leads to lower stress levels, fewer sick days, higher productivity, and a more positive work environment. By incorporating joy into the workplace, you can alleviate tension and address challenges in a more positive way.
Will Playfulness Cost Me Respect?
Guess what? Your team already knows you’re human. Embracing playfulness and revealing yourself as a joyful, vibrant person doesn’t make you weak, but rather relatable, approachable, and the kind of leader people want to follow.
Letting your inner child out to play isn’t just a whimsical notion; it’s a strategic move that can transform your leadership and your business for the better. So, go ahead and plan that next brainstorming session in the park, organize a team-building game, or simply share a good laugh with your team. By letting your inner child out to play, you’re not just improving your own work experience – you’re paving the way for a more innovative, connected, and successful organization.
Blair Koch is a Keynote Speaker, the CEO of TAB Denver West, a TAB CEO Advisory Board Facilitator, and a Business Ownership Lifecycle Coach. Blair has spent most of her career helping small business owners achieve their personal and professional goals.