100 Ways to Play at Work #26: Remember your Mantra

Another great character POV game. Go about your normal workings, but keep your mantra in mind, and see how it changes the way you do things. If your mantra is “Just be” then you might remember to stay zen during those tense moments. If your mantra is “This is my time” then you might feel inspired to greatness, or not tolerate useless meetings. Or maybe your mantra is “Can we please go one second without talking about AI?!”

What’s your mantra going to be today?

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This series was inspired by people asking me “How do I keep doing improv?” after a corporate improv workshop. There are, of course, improv classes, more workshops, team building exercises you can do with your group, but these games are specifically ones you can do on your own to practice “Yes and” and get into a state of play.

100 Ways to Play at Work #23: Horoscope

Find and read a daily horoscope for your sign. If you don’t believe in horoscopes, even better. Now, take what it’s saying, and help make it become a reality. “Take time to laugh with friends.” “Have a romance.” “Lead by example.” “Make a difference.” “Change… something.” Whatever it says, let that be your guide for the day.

Unless it’s no fun, or some dire warning or something, then skip today’s and try again tomorrow. That’s so Gemini of you.

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This series was inspired by people asking me “How do I keep doing improv?” after a corporate improv workshop. There are, of course, improv classes, more workshops, team building exercises you can do with your group, but these games are specifically ones you can do on your own to practice “Yes and” and get into a state of play.

100 Ways to Play at Work #16: Make Art

Don’t just staple pages together, staple a little picture. Make a flip book out of post-it notes. Bend paperclips into animals. Use highlighters as watercolour.

Take 10 minutes to just create… something. Go over to the photocopy room right now, grab some paper scraps, tape, markers and make your (daily? weekly?) masterpiece to display at your desk, or on the office fridge.  

It’s not about selling the art, or doing a good job, it’s simply enjoying the act of creating something new.

What will you art today?

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This series was inspired by people asking me “How do I keep doing improv?” after a corporate improv workshop. There are, of course, improv classes, more workshops, team building exercises you can do with your group, but these games are specifically ones you can do on your own to practice “Yes and” and get into a state of play.