It finally got to a point where we had to invest in a baby cage, err...a play pen! We loved his energy and enthusiasm but the proverbial conditions had to be applied.
We have set up the play pen and everything of need is in there, to keep the kid entertained. What is also there is a sense of security that keeps his expectations (of being playful and constantly on the move) and our wish (of removing everything that might cause him pain or hurt him out of his way) in alignment.
Talking of conditional freedom and alignment of goals, I read a few days ago about the 20% Rule at successful organizations like Google. Through the rule, engineers are encouraged to take 20 percent of their time to work on something company-related that interests them personally.
Seems like some organizations have set up "play pens" for their employees at work to add value, but have fun while doing what they do everyday. The conditions include contributing to the organization and creating something unique and useful by utilizing their "fun time".
Another very successful organization, Apple, has made famous the idea that it is the "crazy ones that change the world because they are ones that think that they can".
Looks like all we have to do, as leaders, both at home and work, is create an environment where having fun does not take us away from adding tangible value. Once we create the environment however, we must get out of the way of the crazies and let positive change happen.
Image: Flickr - alfanhui
Agreed Piyoosh. Unfortunate that this is rare as bottom line is first and foremost in the minds of most C-Level teams.
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