The Power of Play - Using Play at Work to Build Teams

Description:

Does a group play because they are a team? Or are they a team because they play?

Where does the idea of “play” fit into the idea of work teams? It is just a stress reliever, distraction or reward? Recent research indicates that play is not a by-product of a great team. It is actually a critical catalyst. Play supports higher and more stable team performance, better problem- solving, stronger decision-making, increased resiliency in the face of failure, and greater flexibility when things inevitably change. In other words – play is a natural antidote for the challenges of the modern agile world. As coaches – we can coach our teams towards higher performance by creating opportunities for both serious and silly play.

In this fast-paced playshop, we will explore the world of play by playing! Based on the National Bestseller “Play” by Stuart Brown, M.D. – this session examines the recent research on the benefits of play and the alignment of modern business play with coaching Agile teams. Participants will play a game to discover their own "play personality" amongst the eight “play personalities” proposed by Dr. Brown, and we'll explore practical applications to leverage the play personalities on teams to achieve better business outcomes along with more fun!

Agenda:

6:30 - 7:00 - Snacks, drinks & networking

7:00 - 8:15 - The Main Event - The Power of Play - Using Play at Work to Build Teams

8:15 - 8:30 - Wrap up, last minute networking, high fives & hugs

About the Facilitator:

Laura M. Powers is an active Agile trainer, coach, speaker and LEGO® Serious Play® geek with over 25 years of product development, marketing and sales experience at Hewlett Packard, Sales.com, and eBay, as well as several ill-fated start-ups you’ve never heard of. She uses games, simulations and interactive discussions to create learning and coaching environments that engage the whole brain. She holds a BS and an MS in mechanical engineering from Virginia Tech and is based in Silicon Valley, California.