Humor at Work: Open Communication Pays Off

Published: Wed, 02/22/12

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Humor at Work ISSUE 425 - FEB 22, 2012
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Open Communication at Work Pays Off 
 
Companies rated by their employees as being in the top 25% in openness of communication delivered an average shareholder return of 7.9% over a 10-year period, compared with only 2.1% at companies that ranked lower in openness of communication. Among 7 key indicators the Corporate Executive Board tracked in 130 companies worldwide, the indicator that most strongly correlated with higher returns was the employees' comfort in being able to speak up about any and all issues. 
 
The success of Pixar Studios (of "Finding Nemo" and "Toy Story" fame) is at least partially driven by a culture that actively fights against complacency by encouraging any and all employees to question everything and voice their opinions in respectful, open and honest ways. 
 
Another stand out in this area is Google, which holds a company-wide weekly meeting called TGIF where new employees are welcomed and senior executives share news. The highlight of the meetings are the Q & A sessions, where all employees are encouraged to ask the senior-most leaders absolutely any question, reflecting the leaders' beliefs that employees should feel completely comfortable asking any question, and that senior leaders should always talk with employees as openly as possible. 
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    Mike's Fun at Work Tip
 
To add some fun to your meetings and to help your team brainstorm from some different perspectives, try creating a few stock, exaggerated imaginary characters who attend all your meetings. Make one an imaginary superhero - someone who represents your company values in an outrageously exaggerated way. When you brainstorm or debate a new decision, you then get to ask, "What would Super Dave do?" (Of course, I'm confident you'll come up with a wittier, more descriptive name than Super Dave.) 
 
Then create a character who represents your most ideal customer, and a character who represents your most powerful nemesis (perhaps your main competitor), after all, every great superhero requires a super villain! Flesh out their attributes, then use the characters as points of reference in all your planning, brainstorming and communication efforts. Remember, the entire planet is depending on you! 
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    Quote of the Week
 
 
"We need to stop looking at work as simply a means of earning a living and start realizing it is one of the elemental ingredients of making a life."  Luci Swindoll
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    It's a Wacky World
 
After seeing a group of men in their pajamas at a local Wal-Mart, a commissioner from Shreveport, Louisiana is trying to pass a bill outlawing the wearing of pajamas in public. (Just wait until my cat finds out. He's going to feel sooo naked....) 

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Inspiring Savings!
 
Bring Mike in to speak and save! We have a cost-saving opportunity this spring in the following location: 
 
- Montreal, Quebec (June only)
- Penticton, B.C.  (June only)
 
Contact our office for details at info@mikekerr.com
 
 
 
 
Humor at Work TV
 
Watch my interview with Beryl CEO & author of "Why is Everyone Smiling?" at 
 
 
 
 
Inspiring Reading 
 
Anyone and everyone involved in hiring new employees MUST read the fabulous new book by Mark Murphy, "Hiring for Attitude."  It's my recommended book of the month  
 
 
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mike@mikekerr.com