I often have clients say to me, "Michael! We need your help! We've lost our mojo!" I hear the word "mojo" so often in fact, that it's become one of my go-to
definitions for workplace culture.
The book, Small Giants: Companies That Choose to Be Great Instead of Big, by Bo Burlingham, is a great reminder that big isn't always better, that focusing on excellence drives results, and yes, finding your workplace mojo matters!
Burlingham's research found that the most successful organizations are overflowing
with mojo-ness. And by mojo, he means the conviction that workplaces can be a powerful means of experiencing the best things in life such as camaraderie, exciting challenges, compassion, a sense of community, a sense of purpose, and feelings of accomplishment.
Burlingham lists five characteristics of high-mojo companies:
1. Owners and leaders have a crystal-clear understanding of who they are, what they want out of business, and why; 2. Deep connections to
the community where they do business; 3. Close and personal relationships with customers and suppliers; 4. A culture of intimacy built around the idea of deeply caring for people as human beings beyond just their job titles; 5. Owners and leaders who are so enthusiastic about what their company does that they want everyone who comes in contact with it to feel that same passion.
So, where would your workplace land on the mojo scale?
Speaking of mojo, or a lack thereof, let's review the numbers again when it comes to mojo in your meetings: 93% of employees complain about meetings; Microsoft found that 69% of the time in meetings is unproductive; 45% of employees admit to making up excuses
to avoid a meeting; 44% dread meetings, 50% of all meetings (according to a University of North Carolina study) are "bad" meetings; and 17% of employees have admitted to crying during or after a meeting. OUCH!
If you want less soul-sucking meetings and more inspiring, effective, and fun meetings that fuel results, then you need to attend my virtual presentation happening tomorrow - Thursday, March 5th: You've GOT to Start Meeting Like
This!
I'll share the surprising reasons why so many workplaces have too many meetings; how to ensure everyone has a real voice in your meetings; creative ways to make sure everyone shows up on time; the power of the "activation principle;" the unconventional way Flickr ensures their meetings end on time; fun ways to
flip those annoying meeting pet peeves on their head; how single purpose meetings can drive better results; and why Ha + Ha in your meetings leads to more AHA's!
If you can't make the live event you'll still have access to the recording. You'll also receive the handout 62 Ways to Add Fun to Your Meetings, AND you'll get a 50% discount code to access my
Mastering Workplace Conversations recording.
Mike's Fun at Work Tip
A coffee shop offered a discount for customers who would place their order using their best Sean Connery accent. What silly promotion could you offer your customers for a small discount or reward? Or, heck, your colleagues for the chance to win a small prize in a meeting?
Quote of the Week
“Love your customers more than you love your products. Love your employees more than you love your customers.” Jesse Cole, inventor of the Savannah Bananas baseball team
Funny Business
A sign seen on a hotel room door which leads me to ponder several follow up questions:
In light of recent
events,
hedgehogs will no longer be allowed
in room 146.
Cost-Savings to Bring Hall of Fame Speaker Michael Kerr in to Your Event or Workplace to Energize Your Team!
Kelowna/Penticton: Need to see my family special rates!
Windsor/Toronto: March 20-27
Vancouver: April 7-14
Toronto: April 20-30
Montreal: April 20-30
New Brunswick: June dates
Toronto:
June 22 - June 25
England: October 12 - 20
Celebrating 30 Years!
This year marks a milestone in my speaking career: This May my business turns 30 years young, so to celebrate, I am offering a 30% discount on any presentation booked for May 2026! Respond to this email for details while dates are available!
