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| Humor at Work |
ISSUE 447-JULY 25, 2012 |
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Leader Ship
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By focusing intentionally on building a stronger culture, the USS Benfold changed their retention rate from 28% to an astounding 100%, and in the process earned themselves the reputation of being the "it" ship in the U.S. Navy.
The most effective way Captain Abrashoff could think of to turn the ship around (metaphorically speaking of course, one would hope they were reasonably skilled at literally turning ships around) was to hold personal interviews with each and every crew member, asking them about their hopes, their families, why they joined the Navy, what they disliked and what they liked about the ship.
Based on the conversations, and by being intentional about their culture, the ship became a completely different place to work. Fittingly, the ship's mantra became: "It's YOUR ship, take ownership!"
And yes, part of the key to their success was having more fun. And yes, I'm still talking about the U.S. Navy. And yes, I am going to tell you that if a traditionally rule-bound, hierarchical culture such as the U.S. Navy can build a culture that embraces fun, then there's no reason you can't as well!
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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Summer is the perfect time to set up an old-fashioned lemonade stand in the office, just like you did when you were 10 (or in my case 3...I caught the entrepreneurial bug at an early age). But rather than the proceeds going into your piggy bank, use the lemonade stand to either raise money for a charity, raise money for your social committee (so don't think small - I'm not talking about 25 cent glasses here!) OR use the lemonade stand as a creative way to get some information out to employees, other departments or even your customers.
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Quote of the Week |
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"A business has to be involving, it has to be fun, and
it has to exercise your creative instincts." Sir
Richard Branson
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It's a Wacky World |
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For those of you feeling like nothing ever changes in your workplace, today is your day! Yes, it's official Merry-Go-Round Day!
And tomorrow, July 26, it's All or Nothing Day and Chili Day, while Friday's stellar line up of wackiness includes: Talk in an Elevator Day, Take Your House Plant for a Walk Day, and Walk on Stilts Day!
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Inspiring Reading
Remember folks, you can review, read, print, and share past issues from 2012 of Humor at Work by visiting the archive page at: Humor at Work E-zine.
Humor at Work TV
Inspiring Savings
Cost-savings to bring Mike in to speak October 1st in PEI or New Brunswick.
For details drop us a line at info@mikekerr.com
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Copyright © 2012 Humor at Work. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
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