How Curiosity Games Can Connect Your Team

Let’s be honest—most of us spend a lot of our time at work talking about the what: what needs to get done, what deadlines are coming up, and what’s on the agenda for today. 

But how often do we really connect with our colleagues? 

At its core, curiosity invites us to explore beyond the surface. It encourages us to ask questions, listen deeply, and engage with our colleagues in a way that goes beyond formal exchanges. When we approach others with curiosity, we signal that we’re genuinely interested in their perspectives and ideas. This opens the door to more meaningful conversations and greater understanding.

Curiosity allows us to break out of habitual interactions. Instead of assuming we know what a colleague thinks or needs, we ask questions to discover more about their experiences, viewpoints, and challenges. This creates a sense of connection because it invites vulnerability and openness. In workplaces where curiosity is nurtured, people feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas, knowing they’ll be met with interest rather than judgment.

Why Curiosity Is the Secret Ingredient

Let’s start with curiosity. When was the last time you felt truly curious about someone you work with? Not just their job role or daily tasks, but their thoughts, ideas, and how they see the world. 

Curiosity is the key that unlocks deeper connections. When you approach conversations with genuine curiosity, you’re showing the other person that you care about what they think and feel—and that makes all the difference.

Think about it. When you ask someone an open-ended question like, “What’s something you’re passionate about in your work that you don’t get to talk about often?” you’re inviting them to share a part of themselves they might not usually bring to the surface. It’s these kinds of questions that create a sense of belonging and trust, making people feel more comfortable and valued at work.

How Play Transforms Communication

When I say “play,” I’m not talking about elaborate team-building exercises (although those can be fun too). It can be something as simple as turning a routine meeting into a playful brainstorming session where people are encouraged to throw out wild ideas, or starting a meeting with a quick game to get everyone open, connected and relaxed.

Integrating play into the workplace is a game-changer for communication. Play naturally lowers defenses, making people feel more relaxed and open to interacting with one another. It turns mundane moments into opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and bonding.

When we play, we let go of the need to be right or perfect, which allows for more creative and candid communication. Play strips away the layers of professionalism that can sometimes create distance, allowing us to engage with our colleagues in a more human, authentic way. It gives us permission to express ourselves, make mistakes, and learn from each other.

Curiosity-driven play, in particular, invites exploration. It encourages team members to ask "what if" and "why" questions that spark new ways of thinking and collaborating. This kind of playful curiosity breaks down barriers and helps people feel more connected and invested in the work they’re doing together.

When you combine play with genuine curiosity, it sparks deeper conversations and connections. It’s a way of saying, “I’m interested in what you have to say, and I’m also open to seeing things from a new perspective.”

Want to Try a Curiosity Game?

One of my favorite ways to bring curiosity into the workplace is through a simple, yet powerful game I’ve included in my Leadership Games Playbook. It’s designed to help teams ask more thoughtful questions and engage in real conversations, rather than just the surface-level interactions we’re all used to.

Here’s how it works: each team member takes turns asking open-ended, curiosity-driven questions, like “What’s a challenge you’re facing that you haven’t shared with the team?” or “If you could change one thing about how we work together, what would it be?” These questions open up space for reflection and honesty, creating a culture where curiosity and trust are at the forefront.

By making curiosity a regular part of your team’s interactions, you can start to build those deeper connections that make work not just more enjoyable, but more collaborative and creative. And trust me, your team will thank you for it.

The Power of Physical Play: PlayUp Is Coming!

And if you’re looking for an even more interactive way to bring curiosity and play into your workday, I’m thrilled to tell you about my upcoming game, PlayUp! It’s a collection of 1-5 minute games that are designed to inject fun, curiosity, and connection into your day, whether you’re in a meeting room or working remotely and I’ve even got ‘Curiosity Cards’ with specific questions designed to help people open up and connect more deeply. These games are all about sparking curiosity and playfulness, encouraging you to engage with your team in new and creative ways.

Each game in PlayUp encourages curiosity in different ways. Some focus on asking insightful questions, while others prompt participants to think outside the box and challenge their assumptions. The games are simple yet powerful tools that help teams build intimacy and trust, all while having fun.

And the best part? You can use it anytime—whether it’s during a quick coffee break or at the start of a brainstorming session or use it to create a whole team building day! 

Ready to Bring More Curiosity and Play to Your Team?

By bringing curiosity and play into your workplace, you can transform the way your team communicates and collaborates. Curiosity encourages open, honest conversations, while play lowers defenses and brings people closer together. When combined, these two forces create a work environment where intimacy, trust, and innovation can flourish.

If you’re ready to bring more curiosity and play into your workplace, I invite you to download my Leadership Games Playbook. It’s full of fun, easy-to-implement games designed to help your team connect on a deeper level, communicate more openly, and collaborate more effectively. 

And keep an eye out for PlayUp, my new game coming soon that’s all about turning the workplace into a more playful, connected space.

How I Help Teams Build Connection Through Curiosity and Play

If you're ready to take your team's communication and connection to the next level, I'm here to help. Over the years, I've worked with countless leaders and entrepreneurs, helping them move beyond surface-level interactions to create real, lasting connections. Through my workshops, keynotes, and hands-on games, I guide teams in integrating curiosity and play into their daily routines—transforming the way they collaborate and communicate.

Whether you, your team or workplace are struggling with communication, feeling disconnected, or simply looking to boost creativity and joy, I can tailor an approach that fits your unique needs. 

Together, we’ll build a culture where curiosity thrives, play is encouraged, and every team member feels valued and heard.

If this sounds like something your team could benefit from, I’d love to chat about how we can work together. Book a free discovery call with me, and let’s explore how curiosity and play can transform your workplace dynamics and create a more connected, engaged, and innovative team.

Trust me—work gets a whole lot more fun when curiosity and play are involved! 

Embrace curiosity. Play often. And watch your business and team transform.