The Power of Play… by @dancinmoma

by Pamela McCormick | Featured Contributor

A new employee walking toward the glass-walled boardroom sees people in ‘business casual’ attire knocking around brightly colored balloons. She hears them yelling joyfully and wonders, “What is going on?  Are they actually …working?” The smell of freshly brewed coffee permeates the air as the art director reaches across to smack the red balloon in the air. Two giggling copywriters dive for the same green balloon to keep it off the floor. Pop! Smack! Then an orange balloon is catapulted in the air accompanied by a triumphant, “Yes!”

The “scene” just described was common in my work experience virtually every morning, particularly as we began our annual Design Book photo shoot planning sessions. After friendly exchanges among floral designers, writers, models, photographers and support staff, the creative meeting would commence. My job as Project Manager was to keep all elements on schedule, maintain quality, promote teamwork, and ensure that ideas flowed freely. The team was expected to create unique concepts and floral arrangements that had not been seen before. With a team of talented professionals eager for action, I found that starting out our day with a little play ignited creative fires within everyone. Each day had a surprise of fun that tapped into everyone’s inner child. This simple concept delivered AMAZING results for each of us professionally and for the company’s product offerings.

So I invite you to pick up a balloon.

Start batting it around.

Tap into your creativity and just PLAY.

This action works wonders within your business and family. Whether you’re trying to solve a vexing problem, come up with an idea, or create something new; enjoy the moment in front of you and eliminate the potential for negative inner thoughts. PLAY with your co-workers or family members. There may be a frown or two from employees who do not fully understand the creative process. Don’t let that stop you. If the idea produces sales, helps you write a chapter or creates a unified team, people will eventually start bouncing around their own balloons.

Many successful companies are now embracing this play in many forms, supported by open area workspaces, sports-related activities, brightly colored walls, mood lighting, and more. What creative activity can you do to improve productivity and generate new sales for your company and yourself? Start with a little balloon play and work up from there.
The power of play can enhance relationships. When it comes down to it, relationships in business and families are what LIFE is all about. Even the relationship within YOU may need some fun.

CHALLENGE YOURSELF…
•    Create together.
•    Laugh together.
•    Jump and down together.
•    Dance.
•    Act like a child for a moment.
•    Think.
•    Problem Solve.
•    Change the scenery and embrace… the POWER of PLAY…

Then let me know how many balloons your team manages to keep from hitting the floor.

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Pamela McCormick, Creativity Promoter/Inspiration Generator

Pam is a creative consultant, writer and dance teacher/choreographer. In addition to the joys of being a Mom of three (ages 13, 9, and 3) she has first-hand experience in the business of family and the life of a working woman, as well as more than 10 years as a business executive in product development/creative coordination.

Creative development is a specialty. Copywriting, editing, marketing, photo shoot management and sales presentation speaking skills are all in her “dance bag” of tricks. With her wide background of business, leadership, motherhood and teaching, she has learned to “leap” through it all.

Pam is an eternal optimist who is determined to help you transform the chaos of your daily life into an enthusiastic “DANCE.” Pam’s inspirational blog can be viewed at www.dancinmoma.wordpress.com.

Or connect with Pam on:

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dancinmoma

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dancinmoma

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/dancinmoma

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dancinmoma   

Email: pam@inthecompanyofideas.com

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