From game to self : A playful journey : Rediscovering leadership through play

The Power of Play in strategy

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to transform a work session with an Executive Committee into a playful session. Yes, you read that right, we played! In the midst of structuring their 3-year strategic plan, each committee member chose an animal to represent themselves, thus exploring their essential contributions, their future needs, and how they could help carry the projects towards the expected success.

Exceeding expectations through imagination

Imagine for a moment that you are back in the playground of your youth, where you ask yourself, “If I were an animal, I would be… a wolf, a lion, a dragonfly?” This approach, although simple, allows us to reveal often hidden facets of our personality, to laugh at ourselves, and to create genuine closeness with colleagues who usually see us in a very different light.

A strategic menagerie

You would be surprised to find yourself around a table with a groundhog, a hippopotamus, a lioness, two unicorns, and an eagle to create a strategic plan. It was also a revelation for the participants, who were amazed by how accurately each animal reflected each person’s traits. This shift from the usual brainstorming sessions allowed everyone to easily embrace the role they wished to play in the company’s transformation project, thereby enriching the complementarity of talents within the team.

By allowing ourselves to “play” in a professional setting, we open a space to think differently, to explore ideas that may seem foreign or even far-fetched at first glance. But it is precisely in this space that we can find the momentum to act, to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, and to guide our teams to new heights. Like an aeronaut adjusting the winds to steer his hot air balloon, every leader can learn to navigate the vast sky of possibilities offered by an open mind and a heart ready to play.

And you?

What animal would you have liked to be as a child? And what animal would you like to be today? If you share this aspect of yourself, I am ready to reveal the qualities and inspirations that each chosen animal can bring you, as so many keys to advance on your path as a leader.

Schedule a meeting

Le 20 juin 2024 par Hélène Benier

Sell all the posts

The little voice of intuition: a guide for leaders

That little inner voice — often unsettling — is actually our intuition. It guides, inspires, and opens unexpected doors, just as it did for Manentiel. The more we listen to it, the stronger it becomes. And you ? Can you hear it?

If just one question could change your perspective?

Introducing ourselves shouldn’t be limited to a title or a role. What truly leaves an impression is our energy, our passion — what makes us come alive. What if we worked together to uncover what makes you unique?

Three years of growth with Manentiel: A journey towards even bolder horizons

Even in winter, nature quietly prepares for its renewal. Like gardeners, we all carry seeds within us—waiting to be nurtured, ready to grow. Each day is a chance to plant, to grow, and to blossom. And you? Are you ready to create your own inner garden?

Navigating through storms

Getting through an inner storm isn’t about strength — it’s about clarity, learning, and letting go. To regain control, I’ve learned to listen to my three compasses: the mind, the emotions, and the body.