100 Ways to Play at Work #4: Clap Last

You know those all-staff meetings where you have to clap a bunch of times because the company is making so much money thanks to you. For your next pat-ourselves-on-the-back-a-thon, bring back the classic game of “who can clap last?”

Is this a game we played in grade school? Yes. Does that mean it won’t apply to adult workplaces? On the contrary, it’s even better.

Probably doesn’t need an explanation, but basically you just make sure the sound of your clap is the last one heard. Works with one person, but really kicks in if you have a rival. Then you need to, as they say in business, hone your craft. Classic clap cover ups include coughing to cover it up, looking behind you while you clap as though it’s coming from someone else, or looking around like there’s a fly you’re trying to swat.

100 Ways to Play at Work #3: Mirroring (Verbal)

Photo by Kevin Thom

There’s an improv game called Headlines where someone makes up a newspaper headline, then the next person uses the last word of that headline as the first word of theirs.

“Local cat runs for mayor.”

“Mayor decides to do things based on financial incentive.”

“Incentive is a word that I’ll look up later.”

Now you can play that game with your conversations at work.

“Hey, did you hear that Mittens actually won and is now our mayor?”

“Mayor mittens? I like it.”

“You’re not worried about a cat making our city’s decisions?”

“Decisions are a cat’s specialty, they always know what they want and act on it.”

“I guess. Welp, I should get back to working on my AI.”

“AI is how we business.”

Bonus Challenge: Repeat more than just one word, use the last series words in your reply. (Saw this on some CIA Masterclass.) Again, don’t overdo it, just enough that you feel tickled.

100 Ways to Play at Work #2: Mirroring

Photo by Kevin Thom

If they cross their legs, you cross yours. Take a sip of coffee/water/martini at the same time they do. Also frown at your computer screen for hours and hours making occasional under your breath grumbling comments.

Nothing too obvious, like flailing your arms exactly the same way while they’re talking, but match their energy.

Mirroring isn’t just an enjoyable distraction, it’s also a legitimate way humans connect with each other. Remember, people generally like how they do things, so the more you’re like them, the more they’ll like you.

Not A Bonus Challenge: There’s an improv game called “one voice” where you try to talk at the same time as someone else, but let’s not get too advanced/annoying too quickly.

100 Ways to Play at Work #1: Alphabet Game

There’s plenty of stuff (deadlines, clients, that Kevin guy) trying to make your job stressful on the outside, so let’s try to balance that by finding some joy on the inside. This is a series of fun little games you can play on your own or with others, to put your mind into a state of play (even while you’re at work).

#100: Alphabet Game

Have a regular conversation with your coworker(s), like you always would, but make it fun for yourself by playing the Alphabet Game. Every time it’s your turn to talk, use the next sequential letter of the alphabet.

“Hey Sarah, I need you to AI that thing.”

“As you wish.”

“Thanks, it’ll be so on trend.”

“Bet it will be.”

“Let me know if you need any help with it.”

“Could I get more money?”

“Haha” 

Bonus challenge: Instead of going in alphabetical order from a to Z, follow the order they set. If their first word is “Help!” you reply by starting with an “I.” Just use the next letter after theirs.

Fun!