Inspiring Workplaces: Celebrate Your Rising Stars

Published: Wed, 11/26/14

Humor at Work

ISSUE 562 - Nov. 26, 2014


			Celebrate Your Rising Stars

	Two weeks ago (aah, those were good times) I wrote about the need to honor your workplace veterans, but what about the employees just starting out? Humor at Work subscriber Alex Castley, from the Integris Credit Union in north central B.C., was recently honored as the "Next Top Credit Union Executive" from a field of more than 100 nominees (congratulations Alex!). This is only the second time that the top designation has gone to a Canadian! The international program is designed to recognize up-and-coming executives (you must be under 35-years-old to qualify) in the Credit Union system who are a force for positive change. Alex's role in contributing to a "FUNancial institute" was just one of the reasons he was recognized (some of you will recall Alex starring as a wet-behind-the-ears executive in the very funny video on my YouTube channel - "Laughing All the Way to the Credit Union.") So what are you doing in your workplace to honor the up-and-comers? One business I know even sends a gift certificate and thank-you note home to all the (predominantly) young job applicants who apply for a job - even when they don't get the job! Why? Because they believe in supporting young people and they know how difficult it is applying for a job for the first time in your life. They want applicants to leave feeling good about the experience and being good ambassadors for their business. Captain Michael Abrashoff, the former commander of the warship the USS Benfold, would send handwritten notes of praise home to the parents of younger crew members who did something of note. Whether it's a "Rookie of the Year" award or a "Someone to Watch" honor, don't forget the importance of recognizing and encouraging all of the young talent in your workplace.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

The manufacturing company Cognex - where employees are known as Cognoids - embraces a spirit of fun as one of their values. One of the many ways they add fun is through a company anthem and salute. So why not create your own anthem and/or salute? If not at the company level then create an fun anthem and wacky salute for your team, something, ideally, that connects to your particular profession or work situation.
		Deep Thought of the Week

"You know you are truly overworked when your driver's license looks better than you do." Unknown
		It's a Wacky World

December is right around the snowbank, so here's a few of my favorite wacky December theme days to celebrate: December 1: Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day December 5: Bathtub Party Day December 6: Bartender Appreciation Day December 8: Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day December 12: Ugly Christmas Sweater Day December 15: Cat Herders Day December 16: Chocolate-covered Anything Day December 18: Answer the Telephone Like Boppy the Elf December 20: Underdog Day December 30: Bacon Day December 31: Make Up Your Mind Day For the complete list cruise on over to December theme days.

Inspiring Workplaces 30-Day Program

Create a more rockin', fun, creative and passionate workplace that drives outrageous results! Sign up for our new 30-day inspiring workplaces program. Two-minute daily videos sent to your in-box for 30 days - for less than the price of a cup of coffee a day! Team discount rates available. Go to: The Humor Advantage 30-Day Program

Inspiring Reading

Mike is quoted in the Business Insider article: How to Tactfully Tell a Noisy Coworker to Shut Up!

Coming Soon!

January 20: Mike leads a webinar on "Teaching Company Culture to New Employees"

February: The release of Mike's book, The Humor Advantage:Why Some Businesses are Laughing all the Way to the Bank!

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