Inspiring Workplaces: Slaying Jobstacles at Work

Published: Wed, 10/04/23

Inspiring Workplaces

ISSUE 991 - Oct. 4, 2023


		Slaying Jobstacles at Work

	Are "jobstacles" (annoying job-related obstacles) getting in your way of you doing your job? Numerous surveys highlight how excessive red tape and onerous rules strangle innovation, demoralize employees, and frustrate customers. Here are some jobstacle-slaying approaches to consider: The BBC publicly launched a "Give Red Tape the Red Card" program a few years ago to eliminate needless bureaucracy, so why not create your own "No Sacred CowsTeam" or "Jobstacle Busters" to review and eliminate unnecessary or out-of-date policies and paperwork. Give out a "Houdini Award" to whoever can magically make an onerous rule/policy disappear. Hand out "You're SIMPLY the Best" awards to whoever can simplify a process at work. Talk to your boss and have a frank discussion about what is getting in the way of you doing your best work and offer to brainstorm solutions together. Ask new employees, employees outside your team, and customers for their ideas and observations - they have no baggage and can see things with a fresh set of eyes. Adopt the mindset of companies such as Zappos, who, instead of relying on excessive rules and policies, adopt the approach: "If we build our culture right, hire and train our employees right, and then treat our employees like adults, we won't need a whack of rules! If and when a problem arises, we will have a conversation with the employee who messed up rather than punishing everyone with a needless rule!" Practice the 3 Rs: How can you remove a jobstacle; reduce a jobstacle; or at least reward yourself every time you have to deal with a jobstacle. One amusing final thought on this topic: Be cautious about how you incentivize a program. One firm in Rochester, New York, offered $100 for the best idea to cut costs in the company. The prize went to someone who suggested they cut the reward to $50.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Create a giant Dream Board or Goals Board in your office (it could be an actual physical board as well as a virtual board on your intranet site) where employees can write down some of their bucket list dreams or big goals so people get inspired by seeing other people's dreams and so that other people can support their colleagues' dreams, because you never know who knows someone who could help, who knows something about that goal, or who has "been there, done that" and might be able to help the other person reach their goal.
		Groaner of the Week
“My wife claims I’m the cheapest person she’s ever met...but I’m not buying it.

		Funny Business

A great reminder of how bringing a little personality and humor to any job can make a difference for you and the people you serve. My friend Nancy shared her story of being stopped by a flag woman wearing a hilarious blonde wig at a construction zone along the TransCanada Highway. The flag woman gestured to them to roll down her window, told them it was customer appreciation day, thanked them for driving so carefully, and explained their reward for driving so conscientiously was to hear a Dad joke. Now, I don't know what Dad joke she told, but now I kind of feel like I owe you one, so... Did you hear some aquatic mammals escaped from the zoo? Yup, it was otter chaos!

Creating Culture Champions
Find out how The Culture Leadership Academy can help you achieve outrageous results in your workplace! 12 video-based modules, 4 eBooks, and host of other resources to help you ramp up your culture to drive outrageous results. One year access with huge savings for multiple sign-ups!

WANTED: Audiences in Need of Inspiration! Respond to this email to find out how Michael can help you re-energize your workplace culture! “You were the hit of the conference. Most of the participants rated you as the best presenter of the conference.” Karen Bossin, Shoppers Drug Mart

Cost-Saving Opportunities to
Book Michael
Kelowna/Penticton: Various dates through to the end of November
Toronto: October 17-21
Toronto: November 9,10
Vancouver: Nov. 13-17
Ottawa: November 18-24
Quebec City: Dec 8-15

Follow Michael Kerr - The Workplace Energizer!

Unsubscribe | Change Subscriber Options