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Why Play Works
Play is not a break from leadership; it's the foundation of it. Decades of neuroscience, psychology, and organisational research show that play unlocks the mental and emotional states leaders need to perform at their best.
Google's Project Aristotle
Found that psychological safety, the feeling of being safe to take risks and speak up, is the number one predictor of high-performing teams. It's no surprise that safety sits at the heart of Play-Based Leadership. When people feel safe, they take bold ideas from concept to action.
Harvard Business Review
Reports that leaders who embrace playfulness, curiosity, and experimentation spark greater innovation, loyalty, and engagement. Play reframes failure as learning, helping teams move from fear to flow.
Dr. Stuart Brown
founder of the National Institute for Play, discovered that play is not optional; it's essential for human development. His research shows that play enhances emotional intelligence, adaptability, trust, and problem-solving, the foundations of extraordinary leadership.
Neuroscience confirms it
lay changes brain chemistry. Dopamine boosts creativity and motivation, oxytocin deepens trust and a sense of belonging, and serotonin promotes calm and clarity. Together, they create the perfect internal state for courageous, compassionate, high-performing leadership.
Research, Resources & Inspiration
Explore the growing body of work that informs Play-Based Leadership:
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Tools to Bring the Research to Life
Download evidence-based guides and tools to help you lead through play every day
Play-Based Leadership Quick Start Guide
A one-page printable outlining the Five Pillars and daily reflection prompts.
Play Profile Quiz
Discover your natural leadership style and how to build balance across your team.
Science of Play Summary Sheet
A concise overview of the key research that underpins Play-Based Leadership.
Let's Build the Evidence Together
We continue to partner with universities, organisations, and leadership networks to expand the research on play and performance.
If your organisation is interested in participating in future studies or sharing data on the impact of play-based culture, we'd love to connect.
If your organisation is interested in participating in future studies or sharing data on the impact of play-based culture, we'd love to connect.
The School of Play acknowledges the Traditional Owners of County Throughout Australia.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present
We pay our respects to Elders past and present
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