We didn’t leave bullies behind in the 7th grade. That person will appear in any group of people where the leader allows it.

And it’s the worst. Especially when the bully is the manager.

A Workforce Institute study showed that your direct manager impacts your mental health more than your spouse, doctor, or therapist! So we need to deal with the bullies and unsafe (and even toxic) behavior. And play can be part of that solution.

Jeff Harry has made it his mission to prove that play can make workplaces more enjoyable and productive. He’s seen firsthand how workplaces struggle when they leave out joy. In this episode, Jeff and I recounted how Ted Lasso uses play to align with his team (of course we had to talk about him!). We spoke about what defines play and how being in flow can increase productivity by a significant amount. And we also dove into what to do about toxic behavior in the workplace.

Jeff and I both shared some questions to ask yourself so you can uncover what your play personality and values are and how to incorporate them in your work. We also nerd out a bit on how every innovative workplace product has its roots in curiosity and a willingness to embrace mistakes.

If you’re curious about unlocking your team’s zone of genius or simply tired of the dreaded Sunday scaries, this episode is here to help you find joy and innovation at work. When you’re at play you’re truly you and we need more people in this world who come alive with the work that they do.

Here’s what we talked about:

03:11 Why addressing toxic behavior is crucial for creating a safe work environment

05:15 How psychological safety impacts creativity and innovation

06:34 What defines play and why is it productive

12:52 Tips for reducing time-wasting activities at work

16:40 How to start creating a fun work enviornment

17:41 How to identify your play values to boost job satisfaction

20:43 Questions to ask friends to discover your most playful side

Links/ Resources:

The Free 99 Step:

Play Personality Quiz https://jennwhitmer.com/play-quiz There are eight play personalities. Find your main play style and discover how to use your style to be a better leader, collaborate more efficiently, and have more joy at work.

Ready to Make a Plan:

Joyosity Jumpstart https://jennwhitmer.com/jumpstart If you’re ready to stop leading from survival mode and lead with connection and joy, the Joyosity™ Jumpstart Session https://jennwhitmer.acemlnb.com/lt.php?x=3TxtmrUFUqPUT55qA3P3hOdr~a-jjAT0w-xlk5HEIFnKDXV8y_xGh.ae3HVViwBfx1K2Z5UWKXOd954KzNLKUr is for you. Clarify what you want, where you are, and what’s getting in the way so you can make a real plan.

Starting the Journey:

Enneagram Navigator http://jennwhitmer.com/enneagram-typing Walk through the process to identify your Enneagram type — accurately! But then also know what does that mean in your every day life.

Ready to Dive In:

1:1 Joyosity Leadership Intensive http://jennwhitmer.com/intensive Work on your leadership stories, mindset, values, and alignment with Jenn 1:1 when it fits your schedule.

Ep. 77 Tackling Toxic Work Environments with Play and Psychological Safety With Jeff Harry