Embracing the Power of PLAY in Emergency Management

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Arthur Simental, an emergency manager who introduced a unique approach to training—a board game designed to enhance emergency management skills through interactive learning. As I shared highlights of our conversation on LinkedIn, Joseph (MoJOE) McCarthy responded with a perspective that resonated with me: What if we considered PLAY an essential part of our professional development? He proposed an acronym that struck a chord:

• P - Pretend. Unleash that intrinsic imagination.

• L - Laugh. Lighten up. Find and feel the fun!

• A - Ask. Cultivate that childlike curiosity.

• Y - Yield. Learn to break the chokehold of control.

This idea goes beyond training and has daily work and personal life implications. Play isn't just for kids; it's crucial for people of all ages. While play helps children develop communication and social skills, it also gives adults a break from responsibilities and an opportunity to have fun boundlessly and creatively. Play can be a vital source of pleasure, relaxation, renewal, and learning, whether at home, work or in the classroom.