Kokology: Blowing Your Own Horn

Kokology- [Japanese, kokoro, mind, spirit, feelings + Greek, logia, the study of] 1. A series of psychological games designed to uncover emotional and behavioral traits of the players  2.  A popular term for the interpretation of the hidden meanings of human behavior and situational responses -- kokologist n -- kokological - adj -- kokologize v

"When we set out to develop Kokology, our first and foremost goal was to make it fun.  After all, who in their right mind would want to play a game that isn't?  The basic concept was already there --- or plan was to create a game where people would imagine themselves in everyday situations and unusual scenarios and respond to simple questions.  The answers are interpreted from a psychological perspective and tell us something about the way that person's mind works.  It's kind of like a Rorschach test that uses words instead of inkblots". -- Tadahiko Nagao

 Eight Tips For Playing Kokology

1. Say the first thing that pops into your head.  The game works best if you don't hesitate or agonize over your choice of words.  There is no right or wrong answer.
2. Play with other people if you can. 
3. Don't try to predict the answer. 
4. Be honest with yourself.  Kokology may be only a game, but like any good game, it can teach you something about yourself if you let it.  Don't be afraid to accept the truth when a minor fault or shortcoming of yours is exposed. 
5. Be prepared.  Some of the quizzes will ask you to write something down or draw a picture, so it's a good idea to have a pen or pencil and some paper handy before you start. 
6. Don't read ahead.  Don't be tempted to skew your answers by peeking at the interpretations.  What fun is that?
7. Watch people's reactions (including your own).
8. Keep an open mind.    As in life, it's important when playing Kokology to keep things in perspective.  There are no correct answers and there is more than one way of reading any situation.   

Kokology, The Game of Self-Discovery by Tadahiko Nagoo and Isamu Saito  ©1998.  Pages 82-83.

 

Blowing Your Own Horn

Humans aren't the only entertainers in the animal kingdom.  We've all watched the horse shows in a circus, the tumbling bears and the antics of chimpanzees on tricycles.  Then there are the star performers of the watery world- dolphins, killer whales and, let's not forget, the seals.

You are a seal in a marine park show, performing in front of a sellout crowd.  What runs through your mind as you face out into the audience, pumping your horns and waiting for the next bucket of fish from your trainer?

Don't read ahead before you write down your responses!

Key to Blowing Your Own Horn

Trained animals performing in a show are doing a kind of forced labor, with no option of quitting midway.  The thoughts you said went through your head on stage correspond to the feelings you have about your own job.  The things you said to yourself are the things you're really thinking while you're at work.  What did you have to say?

"Can you believe these idiots are actually paying to see this?"  

 

You'd be surprised what the entertainment value of your efforts is to an outside observer.

"Hey, buddy, how about some salmon next time?  If I have to eat another sardine, I think I'm going to be sick"

Rephrase that sentiment and tell it to your boss the next time you're up for a salary review.  The squeaky wheel gets the grease.


"This is so illuminating.  I can't believe I'm doing this where all these people can see me."

What was it you said you do again?  Maybe you should look into a nice relaxing job in accounting.