We recently filmed a new podcast with colleagues and partners at Dynamic Learning. I warmly invite you to watch this substantive dialog.
I have retained many interesting ideas from the discussion with my colleagues, but I would like to limit myself, for the moment, to a very interesting comment by Eduard Adam, a talented actor of the Bucharest National Theatre.
Eduard brought up the concept of “Game and not Play“, which he learned from his acting teacher, the great actor Mircea Albulescu. This concept brings a very important element applicable in both professional and personal life: The Game has rules!
I found it an extremely relevant concept that says so much in just three words. Super interesting!
Now what it tells each of us may differ depending on our goals, our priorities, the activities we are engaged in.
Play and games are two seemingly similar concepts that have fundamentally different implications. Play is a spontaneous activity, without strict rules, which is carried out with the main purpose of having fun and relaxing. In play, there is no clearly defined goal and no serious consequences for our actions. It is a place where imagination and creativity are at home, without constraints and pressures.
The game, on the other hand, has clear rules, a clear goal and a dose of seriousness. In a game, our actions have consequences and achieving our goals requires strategy, planning and perseverance. In real life, applying the principle of “Play Not Play” can help us to focus our efforts on what really matters and turn trivial activities into opportunities for learning and development.
On a personal level
There are many benefits to be gained from applying the ‘Play not Play’ principle on a personal level. Perhaps you set out to learn a foreign language, improve your fitness or develop a new skill. You can turn this process into a game with clear rules, rewards and challenges.
First, set the rules of the “game”: the environment in which it takes place, the resources you need, who participates, frequency, etc. As in any game, you need a clear framework of action to guide your efforts.
Second, monitor your progress. Just as in a game you progress through different levels and earn points, you can also track the progress of the activity you’ve set yourself.
Last but not least, set rewards. Celebrating small successes is essential. Success breeds success. Give yourself these rewards: a relaxing day out, an object, a fancy dinner, etc.
Professionally
In a professional environment, approaching work as a game can make the day-to-day work an exciting and motivating experience. Here, objectives are usually well defined and the rules are set by organizational policy. However, personal commitment and a strategic approach can make the difference between an average employee and an exceptional one.
Similar to the above on a personal level, you need teammates, a framework and clear rules of the game – goals and strategies. You need a system for monitoring progress, meeting goals and motivating through rewards and recognition. In addition, the element of prioritization, productivity, effective time management and self-improvement is much stronger.
These elements can be found in professional players as well as in their personal and professional lives.
As we mentioned at the beginning, Eduard Adam, together with Dynamic Learning, brings in its training and team building sessions this element of “Play and not Play”, and through well-structured and interactive exercises, increases the performance of teams to achieve the company’s objectives in a pleasant and motivating way.
Have a day of fun and creativity!
Claudiu
