In lieu of a conventional unconventional activity-of-the-week, I encourage you all to join us for the GameTime Connections idea party/business relationship event.  At times I describe this event as "netplaying", because the connotation of "networking" is so negative and painful for most business people to bear.  Our GameTime Connections event pairs fun games with structured networking to make the process fun and productive for all participants.  Visit the GameTime Connections page to learn more and register.

Here's a quick one.  You only have to give it one try in the real world to see how it suits you and then share with me the results of your experience.  Before the activity, take a moment to review these questions:

• How many people do you see each day?  This includes people on the bus, train, street, coffee shop, office, etc.
• What percentage of those people are strangers?
• Of the strangers, what percentage do you speak with each day?
• Now, how many of the strangers do you believe could bring value into your life or vice-versa?

Why don't we talk to strangers?  Is it because years ago our parents told us not to?  Break the rules that say don't talk to strangers (unless you are under 18, in which case you should get your parent's permission first ).  Start a conversation with someone you have never met and explore what you have in common and where you might bring something into their life.  You'll be amazed how many people are just like us and would love the opportunity to actually engage in conversation with someone else.  Below are some pointers if you are at a loss on how to approach someone:

• Mention the [logo | sports team | funny saying] on their [shirt | hat | jacket | bag].
• Talk about the crazy weather we've been having this winter.
• Ask how they like the [book | magazine] they are reading (only if they are actually reading something).
• While waiting for the bus, ask if they think the CTA will ever run on schedule - you'll be amazed how easy it is to talk about the CTA (even easier than the weather).
• Ask if they think there will be a Cubs/Sox World Series this year.
• Come up with something on the spot to start a conversation.

You may find that not everyone wants to talk, but from my experience, you'll be at least equally surprised how many do and how much value they can bring into your life.

Always have fun,
Jacob

I'm sure everyone has heard that quote before: "Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?"  Especially if you have ever worked on a dysfunctional team or in an organization where communication was not operating at its best, you are familiar with the idea of different individuals or teams performing independently at best, or in direct opposition at its worst.  Well, this week's game is taking the quote a bit more literally.  Take one or more activities that you typically do with your dominant hand.  Over the course of this week, use only your non-dominant hand to complete the activity.  This could be as simple as brushing your teeth, talking on the phone or using your remote control.  As you begin to engage your non-dominant half, you will not only begin to appreciate the complex motor skills required from your dominant hand, but also reflect on how the rest of your body responds.

As an example, I almost always hold my phone up to my left ear with my left hand.  My right hand, being dominant, is sometimes restless and wants to check email or otherwise engage itself.  When I switch and have my right hand holding the phone to my right ear, I engage my listening skills more intently.  Perhaps it's because my right hand is no longer free to be distracted - I'm not sure.  What I do know is that it completely changes my perception of the phone call.

Play the game of switching hands this week with non-critical activities (i.e. no switching up for surgery, driving, handling flammables, etc.) and see how your body and mind respond to the difference.  When you've had your fill, come back here and share what the experience was, how it felt and how, if at all, it changed your outlook or behavior.

[This exercise is inspired by a suggestion from Hope Bertram.  Thank you, Hope, for providing the great idea!]