Finding Fun in Transformation
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
When was the last time you laughed during a transformation meeting?
If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone. In my 30 years of leading change, I’ve noticed something peculiar: the more important the transformation, the more serious and stressed we become.
But what if joy isn’t the enemy of progress—but its catalyst?
The Pressure Paradox
Many organisations approach transformation with intensity, pressure, and stress. The stakes are high, timelines are tight, and the path forward isn’t always clear.
We create detailed roadmaps, establish robust metrics, and develop comprehensive strategies. Yet often, something essential is still missing.
In my experience, that missing ingredient is often joy.
Why Fun Fuels Transformation
Let me share a surprising truth from neuroscience: When we experience joy, our brains become more creative, resilient, and adaptable—the exact qualities needed for successful transformation.
This isn’t just feel-good advice. It’s strategic.
Consider how the RAFT principle applies:
- Results improve when teams are energised
- Actions become more innovative when play is encouraged
- Feelings of enthusiasm create momentum
- Thoughts become more solution-focused in positive environments
Principles for Bringing Joy to Transformation
Throughout my career, I’ve observed several principles that can help balance ambition with enjoyment:
- Create space for exploration: Dedicate time for teams to explore possibilities without immediate judgment or analysis. Innovation requires psychological safety and room to experiment.
- Celebrate progress, not just completion: Don’t wait for the finish line. Find moments of progress to acknowledge genuinely along the way.
- Ask better questions: Replace “What could go wrong?” with “What might be possible if we approached this differently?”
- Embrace the learning journey: Reframe setbacks as valuable learning opportunities. When teams feel safe to learn rather than perfect, creativity flourishes.
- Model lightness: As leaders, we set the tone. When we approach challenges with good humour and perspective, our teams follow suit.
Your Joy Challenge
This month, I challenge you to bring one element of play into your most serious transformation initiative.
It might feel counterintuitive. It might even feel uncomfortable. But I promise you’ll be surprised by what happens when you give yourself and your team permission to enjoy the journey.
I’d love to hear what you try and what happens.
Here’s to finding joy in transformation,
Craig
P.S. Exciting news! If you enjoyed this perspective, you’ll love what we’re building at Transform Differently. My co-founders and I are revolutionising how organisations approach change by putting people first. Learn more →
