Playfulness is contagious. Innovative leaders attract open-minded talent who collaborate in a gradual evolution of a culture that creates things that are new and have value. Invention and advancement are the byproducts. The Team Clock model looks at this in four quadrants:
Investment: A willingness to embrace differences, constructive challenge, and experimentation is woven into the fabric of the team’s mission and behavioral norms.
Trust: Interdependence arises from accountability to the agreed-upon norms and the energizing collaboration that ensues as teammates grow closer by trading ideas, practicing respect, and allowing vulnerability.
Innovation: Comfort is sacrificed for excitement and fun and teammates are willing to stretch themselves, take smart risks, and even fail if it provides a lesson for future success.
Distancing: Moving away from the way it’s always been requires poise. Re-engaging in another round of creation takes resilience. Innovative teams are able to let go of the past and embrace an unknown future.
The social interaction following the Du Page Children’s Museum event was remarkably different than the networking that characterized the pre-event gathering. Prior to being inspired by Tom and his panel of innovators, most of us caught up on work and family news, renewed old acquaintances, and shared introductions to new colleagues. After the event, the room was alive with ideas and collaborations. Business cards and contact information was exchanged specifically for follow-up reasons and task lists were ignited.
Playfulness is contagious.
