On almost every occasion, when I am working with a new group of coaches, teachers or corporates, play is how I break the ice to ensure we connect in the best way possible. I call this ‘connection before content’. It’s essential to build a relationship and trust before you start delivering any form of content in any situation.

I find that play helps people feel safe and comfortable with one another and with themselves, and with me. People’s walls tend to come down a lot quicker when we use play-based activities. Meaning they’re then likely to be more comfortable and confident—adults’ play taking risks, showing vulnerability and absorbing key take-outs from our sessions.

A great example of this in action is when I was in Kenya. Some years ago, I ran a two-day African conference for teachers from all over the continent, along with a couple of international teachers. I was pretty nervous.

Click HERE to read the entire chapter of the book, as it’s a really insightful and heartwarming story. Completely free sample chapter from All Work No Play.

Here is a brilliant article featured in the UK Rugby Coach Weekly about the power of play. Click HERE to download.

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has purchased the book and left a positive review on Amazon and other platforms (The book is available online globally if you haven’t purchased a copy yet).

The final thing I want to leave you with is the power of kindness. I challenge you to do something kind for someone today after reading the message to make them smile simply. Below is a random act of kindness I did last week 🙂 Cheers Dale

 

Grab yourself a FREE sample chapter of All Work No Play and share it with someone who might enjoy my tale from Africa. Click HERE.