Performance
Picture this: it’s Monday morning, you’re pouring your second coffee, and your team walks in, eyes barely open. Sound familiar? Leadership often feels like trying to herd sleepy cats. But what if work didn’t feel like work at all? What if leading your team felt less like dragging them uphill and more like inviting them to a party they actually want to attend?
Sir Clive Woodward, legendary England rugby coach, mastered this playful approach. Woodward got grown men—big, tough rugby players—to smile while they ran their guts out. How? He turned the tough stuff into play, community, and a bit of friendly competition.
Think about your team. Do they drag themselves to meetings, counting minutes until lunch? Or are they genuinely excited to tackle goals together? Creating a culture of genuine enjoyment isn’t fluff—it’s smart leadership.
Woodward believed the secret sauce in leadership was making the journey rewarding. He knew rugby training could feel miserable. But he also knew players push harder when they’re having fun. Here’s how he did it (and how you can too):
Community First
Woodward built genuine connections among his players. They didn’t just train; they belonged. He encouraged players to celebrate each other’s small victories. He gave everyone a voice, so they felt personally invested. Imagine your team feeling valued and eager to participate, not because they must, but because they want to. When you encourage open communication and celebrate small wins, your team bonds naturally. That bond turns into engagement.
Create Challenge
Woodward understood we crave achievement. Setting small, achievable missions motivated his team. Instead of vague tasks, his players tackled precise, measurable goals. For example, rather than “Get fitter,” he’d set specific challenges like “Complete 20 passes in under two minutes.” Specific targets help your team feel focused and accomplished. Could you introduce clear, mini-challenges in your weekly meetings to boost morale and motivation?
Play The Game
Woodward blended serious training with playful competition. Instead of endless drills, he added game-like scenarios. Imagine turning your team’s tedious tasks into playful competitions. Try gamifying your projects—the first to finish accurately gets coffee on you. A little fun goes a long way.
Be Creative
Don’t forget creativity. Woodward constantly changed up routines to avoid boredom. Repetition kills motivation. How often does your team experience variety in their workday? Shaking things up prevents the dreaded “same-old, same-old.” Try switching meeting formats, or occasionally let team members choose project methods. Variety keeps things interesting.
Recognition Matters
Woodward celebrated every success, large or small. He handed out funny awards like “Best Effort” or “Session Star.” It might seem silly, but it worked. People crave recognition. When was the last time you praised your team publicly? Even a small acknowledgement can boost confidence and engagement.
Mental Conditioning
Woodward was ahead of his time here. He equipped players with mental resilience tools. Training wasn’t just physical—it was mental. Your team needs mental tools too. Offer resources for managing stress, overcoming procrastination, or handling setbacks. This gives them ownership and resilience, making work less daunting and more rewarding.
What About You?
Now, ask yourself: Is your leadership style making work enjoyable? Are you creating a culture where people want to show up and contribute? If not, maybe it’s time to mix things up, Woodward-style.
Leadership isn’t about making people do things. It’s about inspiring them to want to. And a big part of inspiration is making the journey enjoyable. Embrace play, create community, set fun challenges, and keep things fresh. Your team—and your results—will thank you.
Ready for even more inspiration to stop procrastinating and start leading like a playful pro? Subscribe to our newsletter today and receive your free copy of “Overcoming Procrastination.” You’ll find practical tips to keep your momentum going, with a smile on your face. After all, who said work had to be boring?