Playful Thinking for Serious Results
Reigniting creativity & curiosity in leadership.
One wag at a time.
The best leaders have a bit of dog in them. They’re curious, loyal, and ready to chase down a good idea just for the joy of it. Somewhere along the climb to the corner office, though, many forget how to play. The work gets serious, the stakes get high, and curiosity gets left behind with the tennis ball.
But creativity isn’t a luxury — it’s a leadership skill. Play isn’t the opposite of productivity; it’s what fuels it. When leaders learn to stay curious, stay generous, and stay in motion, they unleash something powerful: momentum with meaning.
The Birdie Method:
Sniff → Fetch → Play → Repeat
Leadership, much like life with a good dog, is best practiced through curiosity and iteration. The Birdie Method turns that instinct into an intentional habit.
Sniff: Start with curiosity. Great leaders pause to observe before reacting — sensing what’s really happening in the room. Pay attention to tone, body language, and what’s unsaid.
Fetch: Go after ideas. Don’t wait for perfect direction — chase possibilities with energy and optimism. Fetching builds creative confidence; even a “missed throw” is a chance to learn.
Play: Experiment. Get your team involved, toss ideas around, and make it safe to be silly or wrong. Play builds trust, and trust breeds innovation.
Repeat: Reflect and go again. The best leaders — and the best dogs — know progress comes from consistent curiosity, not one perfect sprint.
Hospitality and Leadership: The Pack Mentality
Hospitality and leadership share the same heart: it’s about making others feel safe, seen, and part of something bigger. A great leader, like a great host (or a great dog), senses the energy of the room, welcomes everyone in, and sets the tone.
Generosity isn’t soft — it’s strategic. When leaders model openness and warmth, creativity follows. Teams take more risks, speak more freely, and collaborate with less ego and more play.
The Takeaway
Playful leadership isn’t about being less serious — it’s about being more alive. It’s about noticing what others miss, chasing ideas with enthusiasm, and bringing joy into the process.
Because when leaders lead like a well-trained dog — curious, loyal, and full of heart — the whole team learns to wag along.
