Do you/would you like to play at work?

Question

a few days ago I have been offered the opportunity to start a position as a manager of my own sales team in a few months.

I was asked to formulate my own vision at people management, and I have been thinking along the lines of playing your job instead of working it. (there will be work done of course)

Sales people are creative and playful behavior stimulates creativity, and on the whole makes the work day fun.

Now I'd like to ask you the following.

does your boss allow playful activities or play during work time.

if not would you like to see this happen, and would it make you actually enjoy your job

if so do you like this kind of thing, and why

what are some things you would like to see happen in that aspect or what suggestions do you have from your own experience.

I'm not begging for them but I'd like to get as many replies as possible on this so if you have a star to spare.

Answer 1

I want management to help me do my job effectively, not waste everyones time with morale activities and their own silly social experiments.

Answer 2

My job is very unique in that it allows playfulness (I'm a student activities advisor at a community college), but I'm of the belief that taking a job and adding aspects of play will lead to better employees, who don't feel burdened by their jobs, and instead feel rewarded and relaxed.

Sales, in particular can be a stressful environment, and thus can benefit from aspects of play. The most practical way to do this would likely be to incorporate team building activities into their work- that way, they get a chance to play, but also have the opportunity to get to know each other as a team, and thus will be more productive in achieving collective goals.

The link below will have some activities to try out with them (I'm using several for a beach themed leadership seminar in about a month)- this is a fantastic idea, and I wish you the best of luck with it!

Answer 3

Please hire me! I work for a mortgage lender and my bosses make me feel as if I am in jail! Please helppp!

Answer 4

"Play your job instead of working it"...that's a great way of thinking.If you could pull that off you should come and be my boss.

Maybe then you can get people to think of work as just another hobby.

Answer 5

I work in a professional environment.  No, I would not want to "play" at work.  I'm sure our customers would not want to think we felt our company was a playground.

Very bad idea.

Answer 6

Yes a million times!!!

Answer 7

I really would like to have a boss who was like that. I think it would make the work day go by so quick and allow your employees to work harder for you. I really like your concept I have a controlling boss and that is no fun.