A BOOK IN THE MAKING BY ERIC SILLIES
How the Permission to Play Creates Cultures that are Connected, Competitive, Capable and Creative
What if play isn’t a break from meaningful work—but a way to make it possible? Explore a different way to bring people together, foster engagement, unlock ideas, and build a culture that can do more.
Built on century-old ideas of the nature and value of play, but adapted to our modern world of work, Eric interweaves his experience as a game designer, innovation consultant, and entrepreneur to deliver a framework that is as actionable as it is insightful.
EXAMPLE COVER · NOT FINAL ARTWORK
The Central Thesis:
STEP INSIDE THE CIRCLE
Listen to a sample chapter and follow along with the transcription. Take an idea back to your team—and see where it leads.
Play is not one-dimensional. It moves from escape to engagement, education, and exploration. Each form needs a different kind of permission, but also unlocks a unique culturally transformative moment of magic.
Escape
Fun, whimsy, recess & games
The margin for escape creates connection.
Engagement
Sport, contest & gamification
The signals of engagement create competition.
Education
Apprenticeship, training & ‘leveling-up’
The safety to try creates competency.
Exploration
Imagination, creativity & innovation
The edge to explore creates creativity.
Magic Circles at Work · A book by Eric Sillies · In progress