Playing With All Your Might

We’re all living in 2024, and let’s face it—workplace engagement isn’t what it used to be. It doesn’t take a bunch of statistics to tell us that. We feel it, we see it, and sure, if you want to get technical, Gallup’s got the numbers to back it up. But here’s the thing: whether you’re knee-deep in data or just talking to folks in the breakroom (or on Zoom), it’s clear that something’s shifted.

So, what do we do about it? How do we get our teams, our people, to work with all their might in a world that sometimes feels like it’s running on fumes? Well, let me tell you a little story from back in the day, when I first learned what it meant to truly commit.

A Lesson from Playing all-in

Picture this: a bunch of middle school kids, myself included, standing in a line, hands clasped, hearts racing. It was a warm Florida after-school evening, and we were ready to play Red Rover—a game that seemed simple but, trust me, it was anything but. When your name was called, you had to run with all your might, every bit of strength and determination focused on breaking through the other side. And if you didn’t make it, well, you were still part of the game, just on a different team.

Here’s what struck me, even as a kid: it wasn’t about winning or losing, not really. It was about the thrill of the attempt, the commitment to give it everything, and the comfort of knowing that no matter what, you still belonged.

That lesson stuck with me, and I see it playing out in the workplace today. When people feel safe—when they know that giving their all won’t lead to them being left out in the cold—they’re willing to go all in, to work with all their might.

The Safety Net We All Need

Now, fast forward to today. We’re talking about psychological safety in meetings and on Zoom calls, but the concept isn’t new. It’s just that now, more than ever, we need to make sure our teams feel that safety net beneath them. When folks know they won’t be penalized for taking risks or for not “breaking through” every time, they’re more likely to give their best.

And let’s be real—connection matters. In Red Rover, the reward wasn’t some shiny trophy; it was the feeling of being part of something bigger, something that mattered. It’s the same at work. The best leaders, the ones we remember and the ones who get the most out of their teams, are the ones who foster that sense of connection, who make us feel like we’re in this together.

Leading With Power and Influence

So, how do we lead with all our might? How do we inspire our teams to do the same? The answer isn’t in some management book – though I highly recommend continued learning like this. I’m also fascinated by the day-to-day, in how we show up, how we build trust, and how we create spaces where people feel safe to go all out.

And sure, we can talk about structure, about setting clear expectations and all that. But let’s not forget the importance of spontaneity, of leaving room for the unexpected. That’s where the real magic happens, in the moments when people feel free to bring their whole selves to the table, to work and drive toward business goals with all their might.

Here’s the thing: working with all your might isn’t just about effort. It’s about creating an environment where others feel safe to bring all their strength, their intellect, their energy. It’s about fostering connections that make the journey worthwhile, whether you “win” or not. And it’s about embracing the unpredictability of leadership, trusting that when everyone’s giving it their all, the possibilities are endless.

OK, Let’s Play

This is where the rubber meets the road. You’ve thought about what it means to work with an all-in energy, and now it’s time to put those thoughts into action. This week, let’s create our own game—one where we channel all our strength, intellect, and energy into something that matters. Ready? Let’s do this.

Ready: Take a moment to reflect. Think back to a time when you gave something your all—whether it was a project at work, a personal challenge, or even a game like Red Rover. What did it feel like to pour all your energy and commitment into that moment? How did the combination of effort and possibility shape the outcome? Let that memory fuel your drive this week.

Set: Now, carve out some time. Look at your calendar and block off a specific time where you can focus entirely on this effort. It could be an hour to brainstorm, a meeting where you bring your A-game, or a quiet moment to reflect and plan. Whatever it is, commit to this time as your moment to play with all your might.

Go: Here’s how you make it happen:

• Identify Your Red Rover Moment: Pick a task or challenge this week where you’ll commit to using all your might. It could be a tough conversation, a new project, or even just a daily habit you want to strengthen. Name it, own it, and get ready to run with it.
• Set the Rules of Engagement: Just like in Red Rover, establish clear boundaries and expectations. What does success look like? What support do you need, and how will you ensure everyone feels safe to give their all?
• Run with All Your Might: When the time comes, go for it. Channel your strength, intellect, and energy into this effort. Trust in the possibilities, and remember—whether you “break through” or not, you’re still in the game, still part of the team.
• Reflect and Connect: Afterward, take a moment to reflect. What did you learn? How did giving your all impact you and those around you? Share your insights, and see what others might add.

Your Call to Action: Create a Space to Go All-In

At the end of the day, leading with all your might is about more than just effort—it’s about creating work environments where others can do the same. It’s about building connections, fostering communication safety, and embracing the joy in the unpredictability of work. So, let’s give it our all, encourage our teams to do the same, and watch as the endless possibilities unfold.

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Hey there! I’m Blair Bloomston, the creative mind behind the Play Uplifted blog, fueled by my 20+ years of experience as a game-based learning designer. The ideas and content? All mine. But I have to give a shoutout to my amazing assistant, ChatGPT, who swoops in to fix my typos and smooth out the grammar. Together, we’re here to elevate your leadership game. Cheers for collaborAItion at work!