How to "find the game" at work

The weekly newsletter that helps people be more successful at work, by enjoying it more.

Hi Reader! 👋

Earlier this week, I facilitated a creative solution workshop for an executive advisory committee. (Leading these kinds of "creative solution sprints" for leadership teams is my main thing, if you weren't already aware. So, you know... reach out if that might be valuable to you. Hint Hint. Nudge Nudge.)

A big part of what makes these experiences magical is the energy and excitement that comes from the participants when they finally have the opportunity to set aside the internal politics, meeting overload, bureaucracy, and too-many-spinning-plates of their typical workdays — and spend some time doing the fun thinking they're really good at.

It's pretty cool to see these big-title executives relax, collaborate, and get geeky about solving big challenges. For me, it's a regular reminder that when we do it right, work can be a lot of fun.

"Finding the game"

Something I recommend to people all the time: take an improv class.

It's hard to overstate the valuable muscles that are strengthened by spending time learning improvisational skills.

Today, I want to focus on an improv skill that doesn't seem to get as much buzz as others — "Finding the game" — and how we might apply the approach to making our work more enjoyable.

"Finding the game" in improv means uncovering the core pattern, premise, or funny element within a scene — and then doing more of it, in an exaggerated or heightened way.

It’s about identifying what’s interesting and fun, then doubling down on it.

Essentially, this is what makes a improv scene become enjoyable. And we can use a similar approach to make work become more enjoyable, as well.

The key to making this happen is to pay attention. We have to be constantly looking out for the moments to lean into. Some potential opportunities:

In emails (which rank high among the most soulcrushing of things), look for ways to add levity or humor to the subject lines, the sign-off, or the tone of voice. If it goes well, double-down and do more.
Create a personal bingo card of commonly overused words in meetings ("synergy," "touch base," "low-hanging fruit") and check them off throughout the meeting. Flip a potential annoyance into fun.
Listen for something important to a colleague or boss — and then support them by continuing to emphasize and reinforce that point in fun ways. (Be careful not to "make fun" of the topic, though.) In a recent client workshop, for instance, the CEO kept using the word "relentless" and the team quickly rallied behind the word, having fun with different ways to bring it to life.
Find authentic and unique ways to praise ideas and efforts from others. Make it a mission to make others feel more confident.

What I love most about "finding the game" is that it springs forth from nothing. In an improv scene, things typically aren't very interesting until the game is found. What we're doing with the approach is actively looking for ways to turn not-interesting things into interesting things.

Have any examples of this kind of thing in action? Hit reply and please share.

This week's creative thinking workout:

Name the game.

Continuing on our "game" theme...

This approach to creative problem solving starts by defining the main “game” or challenge within a problem.

For instance, if you’re trying to engage customers more, you might name the game “Catch Their Eye” or “Start the Conversation” or "Stay on Their Radar."

By giving the challenge a catchy title, it becomes easier to align solutions toward a shared vision — and more likely that we'll develop ideas that wouldn't have come about any other way.

For instance, re-naming the challenge "Catch Their Eye" might lead to ideas like:

Create an eye-catching visual hook that stands out
Create a pop-up event that catches eyeballs by virtual of being different and temporary
Build an interactive art installation in a public place.

Begin with developing a list of game-names based on the original challenge, and then aim for at least ten ideas inspired by each name.

"Naming the game" re-frames our challenges with a fun, focused goal — making it easier to come up with unique ideas tailored to the outcome we're after.

Smiles,
-Tim-

Let's Lightbulb - Founder / CEO / Crusher of Soulcrushers

Let's Lightbulb specializes in "creative solution sprints" for leadership teams. We help teams create solutions and action plans for their biggest challenges in hours, not months. And have a lot of fun doing it.

The bulk of our business comes from referrals. Who do you know that would find this valuable?

Every week in this newsletter, I share tips on how to reduce the stuff that makes our work not-fun, and increase the stuff that makes work fun — plus a "creativity workout" to help develop stronger creative solutions.

Thanks for reading, and please share with friends and colleagues that might like it — because we need more fun people in the world.

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Let's Lightbulb

How to "find the game" at work

"Finding the game"

This week's creative thinking workout:

💡 Let's Lightbulb — March 31, 2026

💡 Let's Lightbulb — March 22, 2026

💡 Let's Lightbulb — March 13, 2026