Yesterday, I had the pleasure of recording an episode of the Publishing Podcast with Heike. And as we were circling around the topic of working and learning, I suddenly landed on a metaphor that seems suitable to put my image of the modern work world into words.
I call it the Tetris Principle™ and I will write books about it, give keynotes, and go down in history alongside Sinek, Laloux, and others.
Of course, I won’t. But I would like to briefly explain my concept.
All Sorts of Blocks
In the famous Tetris game, small colored blocks of various shapes continuously fall into play from above. As a player, you’re busy rotating and moving the blocks so that they cover the bottom as seamlessly as possible. It’s tricky because the blocks fall faster and faster.
It’s the same in everyday work life. New challenges are always coming my way. In different shapes and colors. I take on each challenge and turn and twist it until it fits as optimally as possible into my pool of experience, thus giving me more and more ground.
Doesn’t Fit
This usually works quite well, especially when the work pace is leisurely and I can devote enough time to each block, i.e., each challenge. When the speed increases, I come under pressure.
It can happen that sometimes it doesn’t fit exactly. I take on the challenge, but I don’t manage to rotate it optimally. It arrives at the bottom and stands somewhat askew in the landscape. It’s not pretty, but not a big deal. Because it can well tolerate one or two gaps.
Flow
I continue working and get back into the flow. Maybe I even manage to make good ground, like in Tetris. In the game, all complete rows of blocks disappear from the playing field. And then I even have the opportunity to fill in any previous gaps again.
The crucial thing is that it’s up to me how smoothly the game runs. I control the blocks. I decide when to let a block fall to the ground. When I turn from one challenge to another. I accept gaps and trust that I can fill them later.
The Pause Button
But indeed: sometimes the pace is high. Too high. Then I can press pause. And calmly consider how to approach the next step. It’s the same in working life. Sometimes you have to take a break. Let some time pass before taking the next step. You have to take this time, quite consciously. Then the coming blocks / challenges can be arranged better again.
Work is a Game
So you can learn a lot for everyday work from the Tetris game. The most important thing is: Tetris is fun. It’s a game. And that’s exactly how you should move through your work life. Playfully. With lively music in the background. Having fun with the colors and shapes of the blocks. Enjoying when you can arrange and manage the blocks and challenges well.
And take a break now and then, detach yourself from the screen, look out into the world, watch others play. And talk to them about what you’ve experienced.
