Bad Bunny’s halftime show reminded me of this study…
Hey y’all,
Did you catch Bad Bunny’s halftime performance? It was layered with meaning, symbolism, and diversity and inspired me to think on all the ways play can bring us together. Which reminded me of this…
Not that long ago, a group of researchers put 97 people together for 8 play sessions and found that play can create psychological safety between people of different backgrounds, identities, and experiences. Participants felt that play let them unleash their goofy, “uncool” selves together.
Some of the playful exercises in the study were based on improv. Try it out at your next team meeting with a question like “Plans for the weekend?” or “What is the purpose of this meeting?” and have each member of the group contribute one word to form an answer. Laughs likely.
I’m sharing this today because it can be hard to create psychological safety at work, especially for minorities and people of color. Play can be one way your team makes space for everyone to be themselves, silly or otherwise, and not just the parts we’ve been forced or taught to play in professional settings (but that’s a whole ‘nother topic!).
What about you? Have you seen anything especially inspiring lately? Let me know.
Lissy
