NERF Wars – What, your office doesn’t have those?

Are NERF wars in the office still cool?

I guess really we could ask if they ever truly were. I have noticed a resurgence in our office in the recent weeks, and am reminded of the business value behind them. Yup, I said business value behind NERF wars.

There certainly is no value in the act of a NERF war. Inevitably someone gets hit int he face with an errant shot. There are disturbing screams of joy, satisfaction, or fear. NERF darts are found in random places like coffee cups and trash receptacles. So, where is the business value, again?

Foam attacks?

My take on it:

1) Camaraderie. Bands of Fools teaming together to attack one another. We are in this together.

2) No Hierarchy. A great reminder that no one is a sacred cow.

3) Laughter & Fun. It seems just when I am taking myself or my day too seriously, I am reminded that we should always be having some fun.

4) Inexpensive. I don’t always need big bonuses or fancy parties. A random NERF gun war is fun, collaborative, and gets the energy up in the office.

I am off right now to search Fool.com to see if NERF is a public company. I think they are making a comeback.