Humor at Work: Showing Your Employees the Love...Machine

Published: Wed, 06/27/12

Humor at Work

ISSUE 443-JUNE 27, 2012


			Showing Your Employees the Love...Machine

	Philip Rosedale, the former CEO of Linden Labs (the company that created the virtual world "Second Life") used some unconventional methods to engage employees and boost happiness levels at work, including: 1. Because many employees worked in silos and felt unconnected and unappreciated, Linden Labs used an internal software platform known as the LoveMachine, which allowed employees to send notes (which everyone could view) of encouragement and appreciation to fellow employees, as a way of encouraging all employees to praise and recognize each others efforts on a regular basis. 2. He allowed all his employees to rate his leadership anonymously through a very simple question: "Would you rather have a new CEO or keep the same one?" 3. He gave each employee $1000 for them to share with whoever in the organization they felt deserved a bonus. They could divvy it up any way they wished, they just weren't allowed to keep any of the money themselves. Rosedale felt this freed up leaders to focus on true leadership, rather than focusing their energy on performance reviews. The end result was a more decentralized organization, and perhaps more importantly, happier, more engaged employees.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Here's an idea from a U.S. bank: once a month they hold a "Laugh-In" luncheon where the entire staff gathers with their bag lunches and watches a rerun of an old sitcom classic like Get Smart or Gilligan's Island.
		Quote of the Week

"I can't understand why people are frightened of new ideas. I'm frightened of the old ones." John Cage
		It's a Wacky World

Here are some real life newspaper headlines that make you want to shake your head... Alton Attorney Accidentally Sues Himself Army Vehicle Disappears After Being Painted with Camouflage One-Armed Man Applauds the Kindness of Strangers Volunteers Search for Old Civil War Planes Federal Agents Raid Gun Shop, Find Weapons! County Pays $250,000 to Advertise Lack of Funds!

Inspiring Savings

Cost-savings to bring Mike into speak on

October 1st in PEI or New Brunswick.

Inspiring Reading

Here are some fun ideas on how to add more fun and energy into your meetings and staff retreats: Meetings That Rock!

Humor at Work TV

From the archives, tips on how to add more fun at work this summer season: Ten Ways to Add More Fun to Your Workplace This Summer

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