Humor at Work |
ISSUE 430 - MAR.28, 2012 |
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Managing for a Great Workplace Vibe
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I continually hear stories of employees being utterly demoralized and feeling under-appreciated because their senior leaders don't understand or value their talents as fully as they might. Often it's because the employee doesn't fit into one of the nice job boxes that has been created for them. In other cases, extremely hard working, talented, passionate employees are given a hiring pass because they don't fit into the Houdini-like constraints of the job description.
Conversely, inspiring workplaces are increasingly tossing aside job descriptions in favor of a "get the right, passionate people aboard the bus" approach. Then they make the maximum use of these employees' talents wherever and whenever they are needed. This approach can go a long way towards reducing silos, sparking innovation and boosting employee engagement levels.
Similar to this approach, many workplaces are creating new job titles and descriptions that take advantage of an employee's unique talents or interests. Consider, for example, Tito Rodriguez, whose position as a food and beverage manager with the Ritz Carlton in Palm Beach has evolved into the position of "Vibe Manager," where Rodriguez can fully utilize his array of talents as an experienced sommelier, foodie, and cigar and mixology expert. Not only is it a more fun job title, the Vibe Manager position offers greater room for creative interpretation and flexibility, as well as a redefined and broader focus on one of the hotel's end goals.
So if you don't want to box in your employees' creativity and initiative, start thinking outside the job box! |
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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Brainstorm a truly unique service or product you can offer your customers - something that might help you stand out from the herd. For a little inspiration consider these amenities being offered up at some hotels:
- a "morning run with the concierge" program at the Ottawa Westin Hotel.
- at some Rosewood Hotels they have a 24-hour fragrance butler ready to arrive at your door with a selection of perfumes and colognes.
- the Loews Coronado Bay Resort in California has a dog surfing instructor as part of their "Su'ruff Camp" for doggie guests.
- the Vancouver Opus Hotel has a cupid concierge who plans dates and proposals.
- the Benjamin Hotel in New York has a sleep concierge that will help you choose from an extensive menu of pillows and even send up a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with warm milk if you're having trouble sleeping.
- the Ritz Carlton in Dallas has a "guacamologist" on hand, presumably to help with any and all of your pressing guacamole needs.
And just because you don't have external customers, it doesn't mean you can't have any fun! What's stopping an HR, finance or IT department from offering a creative and fun service to their fellow employees? After all, if people want to make work more fun for themselves,they can start by making it more fun for the people they work with.  |
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Quote of the Week |
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"Play is not about pretending constraints don't exist, but working within them. For me, a big part of play is actually having rules and being very inventive within then, and then doing the fundamental childish act which is to make the system do what you want it to do." Andrew Zolli  |
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It's a Wacky World |
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Scientists hard at work at the University of California have discovered something I think we've all long suspected: sexually frustrated and rejected fruit flies turn to alcohol to drown their sorrows. So the next time they're buzzing around your kitchen, have a little sympathy for the little fellas, they may just be suffering from a broken heart.
And in other news...today is "Weed Appreciation Day" (and no, I'm not going to go there). It's also "Something on a Stick Day", so enjoy whatever you happen to stick with...or on...or to.  | |
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Humor at Work TV
Watch a new 3-minute episode featuring my interview with Beryl's "Queen of Fun & Laughter"
Lessons from a workplace "where everyone smiles."
Inspiring Savings!
Bring Mike in to speak and save! We have cost-saving opportunities between June 20 - July 31st in the following locations:
- Montreal, Quebec
- Copenhagen, Denmark
Wacky Watching
The International Olympic Committee is encouraging amateur & recreational athletes from around the world to "Show Your Best" via video. Some of the videos are very offbeat and downright wacky. (You could always enter a video yourself, or try the same contest in your own office.) Check out this entry for something truly remarkable:: Double Elbow Slaps
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Copyright © 2012 Humor at Work. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
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