In a world increasingly obsessed with micro plastics—those tiny, invisible particles that have somehow infiltrated every corner of our existence—there's an equally pressing, yet often overlooked issue. And it’s been right under our noses (or rather, under our feet) for decades. I'm talking about macro plastics—specifically, the colorful, multi-dimensional building blocks that have become a staple of childhood everywhere: LEGO bricks.
You remember them, don’t you? The small plastic pieces that have the uncanny ability to be found in every corner of your house, even in places you didn’t know they could fit. Those innocent-looking little bricks have made a huge impact on our childhoods, our homes, and, quite frankly, our feet—when we accidentally step on one in the middle of the night. But here’s the thing: when did we lose our ability to play like that? When did we stop looking at a pile of LEGO bricks and seeing entire worlds, instead of just colorful bits of plastic that cause us physical pain?
Think back to the last time you truly brought play into your workplace or job. Can you remember? When was the last time you allowed your curiosity to roam free, unburdened by deadlines or spreadsheets? As kids, we were curious, experimental, and learning at an exponential rate. We could take a pile of Legos and create anything from spaceships to castles to, well, a LEGO version of our dreams. There was an unspoken magic in how play and creativity seamlessly merged. We laughed at things that might seem mundane now, and we barely even noticed. So, what happened? When did we grow out of that?
My friend Acey Holmes from Denver frequently talks about the need for "Play in the Workplace." It’s a concept that’s gaining traction, and in fact, LEGO themselves have taken it one step further. They were actually hiring for a "Chef Play Officer." Yes, you heard that right. A Chef Play Officer. Someone to foster creativity and fun at work, with a side of culinary flair, no less.
Now, here’s a question for you:
Do you have a Chef Play Officer in your business? Could you be the Chef Play Officer of your company?
Think about it.
A business that fosters play can boost creativity, improve problem-solving, and foster innovation. According to a study published in the Psychology Today magazine, play is linked to higher productivity, enhanced team collaboration, and overall well-being. It turns out, play isn’t just for kids; it’s a powerful tool for adults, too. In fact, research suggests that when we incorporate play into our lives, it not only sparks creativity but actually rewires our brains for success.
Why Play Matters at Work
Play isn’t frivolous. Research shows it’s fundamental to creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. A study published in Psychology Today highlights how play can boost productivity, improve teamwork, and enhance overall well-being. In fact, incorporating play into your daily life can rewire your brain for innovation and success.
Imagine the impact of fostering a workplace culture where creativity flows as freely as it did during childhood. Where brainstorming sessions feel like building a LEGO masterpiece, and employees are encouraged to experiment without fear of failure.
So, while the grown-up world is busy worrying about micro plastics, maybe it’s time we start talking about macro plastics—and more importantly, bringing the concept of play back into our daily lives.
In the words of Ferris Bueller, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it."
What will it take for us to rediscover the magic of play at work, the way we used to when LEGO first hit the market? Maybe the answer isn’t as simple as avoiding micro plastics—it could be about embracing the bigger, more fun things in life.
Let’s stop worrying so much about the tiny details, and remember the joy of simply playing.
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