Play Posture and Leadership

When a puppy wants to play, it assumes a "play bow". This position involves stretching the front legs forward and leaning down on the elbows. It's the puppy's way of conveying the message, "Let's play!" When working with leaders, I often use this example to highlight the importance of body language and mindset in the workplace. So, what does your body language convey when your team is watching? Avoid behaviors such as crossing your arms, no eye contact, or not looking up from your device when someone is speaking to you. Instead, we should adopt the "puppy play posture" mindset, which entails being intently engaged, actively listening, and ready to collaborate, create, and play. By doing so, leaders can create a more positive and enjoyable work environment, inspire creativity and innovation, and empower team members to take risks and explore new ideas.

In the image above, you can see me with Buddy, who is twelve years old and no longer a puppy. However, he still earns an A+ for his play posture. Let's take inspiration from our furry friends and adopt a playful mindset.