The Playground Principles(TM): Why Connection Still Matters

The Playground Principles(TM) (Do Yours Still Matter?)

"The world changed for the worse when we lost the meritocracy of the playground."
- Barry Kleiman

Remember when trust was earned through action, not promised in meetings?
Remember when your reputation preceded you in every interaction?
Remember when connection wasn't about networking but about showing up authentically, day after day?

The playground taught us timeless principles: merit mattered, consistency built trust, and authentic connection required vulnerability and accountability. These weren't just games-they were laboratories for character, leadership, and human connection.

In a world of polished performances, curated conversations, and AI's relentless presence, The Playground Principles explores why principles like these matter more than ever.

Through stories of champions like Michael Jordan, Maya Moore, and business leaders who've mastered authentic connection, Barry Kleiman shows how playground wisdom applies across every dimension of life-physical, emotional, professional, and personal.

This isn't about nostalgia, and certainly not simply about basketball.
This isn't a list of rules but a series of reflections, stories, and challenges for those who sense something's missing.
It's for leaders who want to show up authentically, teammates who value character over politics, and anyone who believes that how we pursue winning-with connection, consistency, and integrity-defines us.
It's about rediscovering what actually works: authentic connection creating competitive advantages unable to be automated, faked, or simulated by an algorithm.

The cornerstone of this rediscovery and The Playground Principles is "The Four Questions" framework for turning insights into action. Using this framework you'll explore your own connection game: What are you trying to build? Why does it matter? What's your next move? When will you take it?

"Connection is currency. Connection with self is oxygen."
-Barry Kleiman

A book for those genuinely ready to breathe more deeply