The Playful PlayInnové Approach: Inspiration from the Best

Ever feel like your creative genius is just waiting for the right spark to ignite? At PlayInnové, we believe that everyone has a wellspring of creativity just waiting to burst forth—sometimes it just needs a little playful nudge. We’ve been inspired by some of the brightest minds in creative thinking and personal development, and we’ve woven their insights into our dynamic workshops. Whether it’s unlocking lateral thinking, overcoming mental blocks, or simply keeping that creative spark alive, PlayInnové is here to help you and your team thrive. Let’s dive into how we bring these concepts to life with a playful twist! 

1. Building Sandcastles: Ever built a sandcastle at the beach, only to have it swept away by the tide? You could build it the same way again, or you could try something entirely different—like digging a moat, building higher, or even creating a sand fortress! That’s lateral thinking in action. Edward de Bono’s Lateral Thinking teaches us to approach problems from fresh, unconventional angles, much like finding new ways to keep that sandcastle standing. At PlayInnové, we encourage teams to think like sandcastle builders who see the incoming tide not as a threat but as a chance to reimagine their creation. 

In our workshops, we often see participants using lateral thinking to turn “washed away” ideas into something entirely new and innovative. Just like in sandcastle building, sometimes the best ideas come when you let go of what didn’t work and explore new possibilities with a playful mindset. 

2. Conquer Your Creative Fears: Ever been paralyzed by a blank page, staring at it like it’s some kind of creative abyss? Yeah, we’ve all been there. But fear not! Phil Stutz and Barry Michels have our backs with The Tools. These are practical, no-nonsense techniques to push past those mental blocks that keep us from diving into our creative flow. At PlayInnové, we’ve taken these tools to heart, creating a safe space where your team can take creative risks without fear of failure. We even encourage a lot of playful experimentation—because sometimes, the best ideas come from the wildest places. 

One of our favorite moments was when a participant, who was initially hesitant to pick up a paintbrush, ended up creating a piece that became the centerpiece of their team’s project. All it took was a little push past the fear, and the results were nothing short of amazing. 

3. Embrace Your Inner Genius: What if we told you that your most unconventional ideas could be your biggest assets? Ozan Varol’s Awaken Your Genius challenges us to embrace our unique perspectives and throw conventional wisdom out the window. That’s exactly what we do at PlayInnové. Our workshops are designed to help you tap into your authentic self, because we believe that’s where the real magic happens. Whether you’re painting, building, or brainstorming, we encourage you to bring your quirkiest, most off-the-wall ideas to the table. Who knows? That crazy idea might just be the game-changer your team needs. 

We once had a participant who suggested a solution during a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session that seemed completely out of left field. The team was skeptical at first, but as they built on the idea, it transformed into a groundbreaking strategy that they implemented in real life. Sometimes, it’s the wildest ideas that have the most potential. 

4. Play the Long Game: Ever felt like you’re just going through the motions at work? Laszlo Bock’s Work Rules! reminds us that a vibrant workplace culture is key to keeping things fresh and exciting. At PlayInnové, we’re all about shaking up the status quo and bringing a little (or a lot) of fun into the workplace. Our workshops are designed to not only engage employees but to empower them to take ownership of their creativity. We believe that when people are having fun and feel valued, they’re more likely to come up with the next big idea. 

One team reported that after our workshop, they saw a significant boost in employee morale and creativity. The secret? Letting their employees play a little more and work a little less by the book. 

5. Make Creativity a Habit: You know that feeling when you’re in the zone and everything just clicks? Manage Your Day-to-Day by 99U and Jocelyn K. Glei teaches us that staying in the zone takes a little discipline—but it doesn’t have to be boring. At PlayInnové, we turn creative habits into something fun. Our workshops encourage teams to make creativity a part of their daily routines, not just something they do when there’s time. Because let’s face it, when you make creativity a habit, those eureka moments come a lot more often. 

We suggest starting your day with a quick creative exercise—whether it’s doodling, building with LEGO® bricks, or a quick brainstorming session. It’s amazing how a little creativity first thing in the morning can set the tone for the whole day. 

6. Prepare for the Future: The Future Normal gives us a glimpse into the trends that will shape tomorrow’s world, and at PlayInnové, we’re all about staying ahead of the curve. Our workshops are designed to prepare teams for the future by encouraging proactive thinking and innovation. We help teams embrace change and turn it into opportunity, so they’re not just ready for the future—they’re excited about it. 

We believe that the best way to predict the future is to create it. That’s why we’re always exploring new ways to keep creativity and innovation at the heart of what we do. 

7. Keep the Creative Spark Alive: Ever feel like you’re running out of creative steam? Austin Kleon’s Keep Going is a reminder that creativity isn’t a sprint—it’s a marathon. At PlayInnové, we know that keeping the creative spark alive takes effort, but it should also be fun! Our workshops are designed to reignite that spark, helping teams stay motivated and inspired. We believe that play is a crucial part of the creative process, and we’re here to make sure that spark never goes out. 

One participant told us that our workshop was just what they needed to rediscover their passion for their work. Sometimes, all it takes is a little play to keep the creativity flowing. 

At PlayInnové, we’re not just about teaching creativity—we’re about living it. We’ve created a fun, dynamic approach that helps teams unlock their full potential. Whether you’re looking to spark new ideas, overcome obstacles, or just keep the creative energy alive, PlayInnové inspiration is here to help you play your way to success. 

Ready to bring some fun and creativity to your workplace? Connect with us at PlayInnové and let’s start building something amazing together! 

Sources:  

Bhargava, Rohit, and Henry Coutinho-Mason. The Future Normal: How We Will Live, Work and Thrive in the Next Decade. Ideapress Publishing, 2023. 

Bock, Laszlo. Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead. Twelve, 2015. 

de Bono, Edward. Lateral Thinking: Creativity Step by Step. Harper & Row, 1970. 

Glei, Jocelyn K., editor. Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind. 99U, 2013. 

Kleon, Austin. Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad. Workman Publishing, 2019. 

Stutz, Phil, and Barry Michels. The Tools: Transform Your Problems into Courage, Confidence, and Creativity. Spiegel & Grau, 2012. 

Varol, Ozan. Awaken Your Genius: Escape Conformity, Ignite Creativity, and Become Extraordinary. PublicAffairs, 2023.