The Art of Play: A Different Way to Work
I’m learning a valuable lesson about business…
From my toddler.
It started the other day while coloring. After transforming a blank paper into a collage of hearts, stars and squiggly lines (toddlers are great at making squiggly lines), it was time to clean up.
I began putting crayons in the box – a red crayon first, then a blue, then a yellow - - primary colors in perfect array. Thinking he’d catch on, I handed the box to him. “Can you do it?” In a flash he turned it upside down, sending pieces of paraffin wax to the floor in a colorful explosion. “What a mess!” I said. We have to pick this up.” Begrudgingly, I began the process again, filling the box with crayons, one-by-one. But the little guy next to me had a different idea:
Grab the crayons by FISTFULS and SHOVE them into the box! A need for speed. Not for organization.
It made me laugh. His approach to the task was completely different than mine. And yet, the task got accomplished in a new way.
Day 2: Basketball
“Throw the ball through the hoop!” I instruct. Thinking he’d make a top down shot through the ring, I was surprised when he threw the ball in from the BOTTOM up! His reverse approach was completely different than mine. Yet again, the task got accomplished.
Day 3: The choo-choo train.
“Let’s drive this train across the floor!” I say, pushing it to him. “Now you try!”
With a big smile, he turns the train UPSIDE down - wheels in the air, roof on the floor – cruising it across the carpet. His approach to the task was completely different than mind. Yet AGAIN the task got accomplished.
Notice a theme here?
It’s interesting. As we age, we’re conditioned to do things a certain way. Drive THIS direction. Place the object HERE. Color in THESE lines. We do it so often, it becomes second nature. We begin to lose sight of what could be.
Watching a young mind navigate a new world demonstrates there are countless ways to tackle work and achieve goals - if we open ourselves up to the possibilities. From a business lens, this serves as a valuable reminder to:
· Keep an open mind.
· Welcome fresh perspectives.
· Consider the opposite approach to an idea or task.
· Step out of your comfort zone.
You’ll be amazed by what you’ll learn, observe, and do. In a world that’s always looking for the next big thing – your breakthrough idea could be right in front of you…if you’re open to it.
Who knew my muse was the toddler in the living room?
Mind blown.
Kim Kaufman is an award winning speaker, writer, and storyteller committed to improving leadership, customer service and communication skills. Ranked one of the top 10 best public speakers in the world by Toastmasters International, Kim’s speeches are rooted in humor, heart and professional development. Skilled in media and corporate communications, she’s known for inspiring audiences to achieve their potential through the power of creativity, imagination and forward thinking. For more information or to bring Kim to your next event, visit www.kimpresents.com/book-kim.