Day 3: The evolution of a comb over

Somewhere between 1945 and 1946 Picasso got rid of the comb over and the difference is startling. It seems that by letting go of the frail and thinning stylistic shelter he was somehow released and free to be more playful. At least that is the story I took from the exhibit.
Just as striking as this transformation is the presence of play in his life. Ever the clown one sees Picasso play acting with his statues in the making. A clay baby is cuddled and offered to friends to hold. Bruce Mau talks about how he uses laughter: as a barometer of how comfortable they are at expressing themselves in the studio. When people laugh they are confident enough to be a little vulnerable. It becomes easy to be themselves. When I was at adidas I was always struck by how the top athletes would always turn photo shoots into a game. Haile had to strike the cross on the studio floor just right with his stride and wasn't happy if it wasn't so, Kobe needed to show off with the most ridiculous shot he could do. People at the top of their game seem to relish in what they do. You really have to love what you do to be the best in the world. Steve Jobs knew this, and I suspect just about everyone does by now, so why do so many people ignore this?

A lot has been written about the use of play in the creative process and its importance to work. I wonder if there isn't more to Bruce Mau's assertion, that play and laughter could be used as signs of organizational vitality. Every person has a limited amount of energy. Doesn't it stand to reason that when that energy is not being channeled into protecting a fragile ego, where all efforts are not focused on protecting an image of yourself, more energy will be channeled into new ideas and productive contributions? Perhaps there is more to Picasso letting go of the comb over than meets the eye...