THE LEADERSHIP PLAYGROUND: WHAT WE FORGOT ABOUT GROWTH FROM CHILDHOOD by Dennis Armfield
When was the last time leadership felt fun?
As kids, we learned some of life’s most important lessons on the playground – how to
work as a team, take risks, be creative, and bounce back from failure. But
somewhere along the way, leadership became rigid, serious, and performance
driven.
We swapped curiosity for certainty. Play for pressure. And creativity for control.
But what if the best leaders are the ones who remember what the playground taught
us?
Lesson 1: The Magic of Curiosity – Great Leaders Ask More Than They Answer
Have you ever watched kids play? Their world is full of why and what if? Exploring,
questioning, and experimenting – because they’re wired to learn.
Yet, as adults, many leaders feel pressure to always have the answers. But the most
influential leaders are the ones who ask the right questions instead of giving the right
answers.
Curiosity builds trust. It invites people into the conversation, opening doors to new
ideas and solutions.
Playground Action: Instead of giving advice, ask a powerful question: “What do you
think?” and let someone else step into their own leadership.
Lesson 2: Fail Fast, Play Hard – What Kids Get Right About Resilience
Watch kids attempt a new game, and you’ll notice something fascinating – if they fall,
they get back up. If they lose, they try again. If they mess up, they laugh and keep
going.
Failure isn’t personal. It’s just part of playing.
But in leadership and business, we often fear mistakes. We overanalyse, hesitate,
and play it safe. The truth is, the best leaders aren’t afraid to fail – they embrace it
because they know every setback is a setup for growth.
Playground Action: Reframe failure as feedback. Instead of asking “Why did this go
wrong?” ask “What did we learn?” and move forward.
Lesson 3: The Power of Play – Why Fun Fuels Engagement and Innovation
Imagine telling a child, “Go outside and work with your friends.” Sounds ridiculous,
right?
Kids don’t work – they play. And through play, they build relationships, experiment
with new ideas, and develop problem-solving skills.
Yet, in the workplace, we often strip away fun in the name of productivity. Ironically,
research shows that teams who laugh together perform better, leaders who embrace
playfulness foster stronger cultures, and businesses that encourage creativity
outperform their competitors.
Play isn’t just fun – it fuels innovation, connection, and engagement.
Playground Action: Find ways to inject play into your leadership, whether through a
creative brainstorming session, a team challenge, or simply by adding more humour
to your day.
Time to Get Back on the Playground
The best leaders aren’t the ones who constantly take themselves seriously. They
lead with curiosity, resilience, and playfulness – the same qualities that helped us
thrive as children.
So, here’s your challenge, if you accept it: How can you bring curiosity, play, or fun to
your leadership this week?
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