At EDNA, Playing Outside isn’t just about the work we create; it’s a mindset that shapes every part of our studio life, especially in how we connect with each other. Since we started EDNA, we’ve been all about building a space where everyone can feel safe, included, and able to voice their opinion.
We’ve recently embraced Insights Discovery—a tool that’s been around but isn’t too common in the creative industry. Since Summer 2023, it’s been a real eye-opener. It’s given us a deeper look into what makes each of us tick, helping us not only understand ourselves better but also enable us to communicate more clearly as a team and clients. With this, we’re making sure everyone knows how to communicate like they actually mean it, cutting down on misunderstandings and frustrations.
A big part of our approach is what we call intentional interaction. By diving into the four-colour personality system, we’ve learned to recognize and respect different styles. It gives us a base level of understanding, so we’re not just talking at each other but actually connecting. Take a Sunshine Yellow personality, for example: they’re all about getting people involved and thrive when there’s a passionate buzz around. But put them with someone who’s slow to engage, and things can get tricky. By knowing this stuff, we can play to everyone’s strengths and smooth over those potential friction points.
To take it a step further, we’ve thrown in some ‘speed dating’ sessions where we all share our Insights Discovery results. It’s fast-paced, it’s open, and it’s real. These sessions give everyone a quick snapshot of each other’s communication quirks, which means we can skip the awkwardness and get straight to the good stuff. It’s been a fun and engaging way to boost collaboration and make sure everyone feels seen and heard.
In a world where creativity is expected, bringing in structured personality insights might sound a bit left-field. But for us, it’s been a game-changer. It’s helped us build a more connected, empathetic workplace where everyone can bring their best selves. We’re all about questioning things and making sure what we implement works for our colleagues and clients, and we’d encourage any studio to give it a try if you are looking to level up team dynamics.
At EDNA, we’re committed to learning and adapting. We believe that by understanding our differences and celebrating them, we can make a workplace where everyone feels valued and safe. If you’re curious to know more about our approach, we’d love to chat!
