I had the pleasure of being the closing keynote speaker at an event in Amsterdam last week, where I got to sit in on several presentations, including one by a Dutch astronaut who has a fear of heights!
One
of the speakers, Jeanne Bakker, head of The Brain Bakery (and what a fabulous name that is) shared a study showing that our IQ tends to drop throughout the day - a good reminder to plan to do your brainier work in the morning.
She also shared studies showing the critical importance of taking breaks. Rather than viewing breaks as a break from productivity, she
suggests reframing breaks to consider them an integral part of your workday productivity that we plan for and build into our day.
According to her research, there are four guiding rules for taking effective breaks:
Something beats nothing. We tend to
often think it's not worth taking a break if we only have a minute or two, but the research is clear: Even one minute is better than nothing!
Moving beats stationary. Get up or better still go for a short walk. Even a lap around your coworker's desk is better than nothing!
Social beats solo, yes even if you're an introvert.
Outside
beats inside. (Unless there's a tornado!)
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
For a brain-energizing meeting icebreaker, have everyone write down the months of the year in alphabetical order and give a prize to the person who can do it the fastest.
Deep Thought of the Week
"When I hear somebody sigh, 'Life is hard,' I am always tempted to ask, 'Compared to what?'" Sydney Harris
Funny Business
As seen on a hotel sign:
YOU KNOW IT'S COLD OUTSIDE
WHEN YOU GO OUTSIDE
AND IT'S COLD
Cost-Saving Opportunities to Book Michael
Ontario: November 25-30
Ontario: December 2-10
Kelowna: December 11-18
Grande Prairie: February 3-5
Vancouver: March
3-6
Small Moments, BIG Outcomes: How Leaders Create Cultures That Fuel Extraordinary Results Small Moments, Big Outcomes.
"This book is a game changer! Not only will Mike have you rolling with laughter but you will learn many things about the impact of workplace culture. Buy a box of this book and hand them out to your
teams!" Paula, Amazon Review
Culture Leadership Online Course We've extended the special deal until the end of November due to popular demand! Pay only $97 per participant when you enter the discount code 'cultureleader'
