Toys in meetings? You've got to be kidding! Not long ago, this
would have been unheard of. But toys are popping up in meeting
rooms all over the country--and for good reason. Toys can help
managers achieve all of the following, and then some:
*Stimulate creativity--No matter how old we are, toys put us in
a more youthful and playful frame of mind that can result in
problem solving and creativity.  *Diffuse anxiety--Better to get
"beaned" by a Nerf ball than for hostility to build between you
and the guy whose proposal you are reviewing.  *Provide mental
breaks--After periods of sustained concentration, a squeeze ball
or a Slinky can provide a much-needed break for the conscious
mind while the subconscious continues to flow with the meeting.
*Engage the whole person by providing a tactile experience--
Business conversations are typically very "left-brained." But
creative solutions require using the whole brain and the whole
person.  *Make for a more enjoyable and memorable meeting--Toys
provide opportunities