Play On

A message from Steve...

I arrived in Rochester, New York, a day early for a corporate keynote, and with a couple of hours to spare, I noticed, right across the street from my hotel, was the Strong National Museum of Play. Now, for someone who has spent nearly 30 years helping people communicate, connect and grow through the power of improvisation and game dynamics, this felt like an invitation I couldn’t pass up. So, instead of catching up on emails, making calls, or finding another excuse to stare at my phone, I walked across the street and went right in. And I’m so glad I did. 

What an incredible place! Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of the games, toys, experiences and memories that have brought joy to generations of children and adults. But what struck me most wasn’t simply the nostalgia. It was the realization that so much of what we value as adults was first introduced to us through play. We learned how to take turns, follow rules, solve problems, manage disappointment, celebrate victories, make friends and try again when something didn’t go our way. And somewhere along the way, many of us started believing that growing up meant leaving some of that playfulness behind. 

With that in mind, I encourage you to think back to your own childhood. What were your favorite games to play? Who did you play them with? Was it hide-and-seek, kickball, tag, board games, building forts or simply making up something in the backyard with your friends? Think about the anticipation, laughter, creativity and connection those experiences created. Chances are, you remember far more than who won or lost. You remember how those moments made you feel, the people you shared them with, and perhaps even a few lessons that have stayed with you all these years. 

At Game On Nation, we’ve built our work around the belief that play is not the opposite of purpose. In fact, when used intentionally, play can be one of the most powerful ways to bring purpose to life. Our MILE framework (Mystery, Incentive, Laughter, Empowerment) and the basis for my keynote, reminds us why games are such effective teachers. 

Mystery... invites curiosity and the courage to step into the unknown. 

Incentive... gives us a reason to participate and something meaningful to pursue. 

Laughter... creates connection, lowers barriers and reminds us that we can take our work seriously without always taking ourselves so seriously. 

Empowerment... gives us permission to contribute, make choices, discover our strengths and help others do the same. 

As I walked out of the museum, I couldn’t help but smile at the timing of it all. Tomorrow, I’ll be standing in front of a room full of professionals talking about leadership, communication and going the extra MILE, and today I was reminded that some of the best lessons we can teach adults are the very ones we first learned as children. Maybe we don’t need to make everything so complicated, and maybe we don’t need another meeting, presentation or training filled with more information. Perhaps what we need is a little more curiosity, a little more laughter, a little more challenge and a whole lot more encouragement. 

As I reflect on my time at the Strong National Museum of Play, and after taking it all in, this is what I took away. My hope is these takeaways take you back to those days that were filled with play. 

1. Remember the joy. Revisit your favorite childhood games and the lessons, relationships and memories they created. 

2. Embrace challenge and support. Create opportunities for people to stretch, take risks, encourage one another and grow together. 

3. Make room for play. Bring curiosity, laughter and intentional fun into the way you lead, teach, coach and connect. 

Growing up, growing older, and growing wiser, doesn’t mean we have to stop playing. And taking our responsibilities seriously doesn’t mean we have to lose the joy along the way. All it means is we have to be intentional and have some discipline, and set aside those emails, that call, our devices, every now and then, so we can create the time, the mindset, and the childlike desire to get our... Play On.