Inspiring Workplaces: Cross Pollinating Ideas

Published: Wed, 05/10/17

Humor at Work

ISSUE 678 - May 10, 2017


			Cross Pollinating Ideas

	Watching a bee do its thing this morning I was reminded of how heaps of research suggests that the concept of cross pollination of ideas is one of the keys to more creativity and innovation at work. The more people from different areas of expertise mix and mingle and share ideas and perspectives, the greater the likelihood of truly novel ideas rising to the surface. Here are a few ways you can encourage cross-pollination in your workplace: Re-jig your office space. When Steve Jobs took over Pixar studios he redesigned the physical layout of the office space to force random encounters between employees from different departments. Hold job shadowing days where employees shadow someone in a completely different department. Hold job swap days - where feasible have employees take over each other's duties for a day. Invite outsiders to your meetings - from other departments, areas of expertise, or even outside your company. Cross train: include people from across a variety of disciplines and departments in training programs. Hold social events and business networking events that cross department boundaries. Hold contests for creative ideas that include family members, customers, and all your employees.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

This Saturday, May 13 is the 40th anniversary of the O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships in Austin, Texas, where punsters from around the world compete in a Punslinger Contest and vie for the Punniest of the Show. So why not hold your own pun-off at work? Create a contest for the punniest one minute speech or article that packs as many work-related puns - specific to your profession or organization - into it as possible. Hopefully it won't be too much punishment for anyone. And speaking of puns have a gander at these awesomely punny business names.
		Deep Thought of the Week

"Never delay the end of a meeting, or the start of happy hour."
		It's a Wacky World

Some more outrageous calls received on B.C.'s E-comm 911 emergency line: "Can you get my basketball out of a tree?" "Come quickly! I have an issue with a vending machine!" "Is it OK to park on the street?" "I need assistance because a car is parked too close to me!" "Hello, 911 operator? I need the non-emergency line!"

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Speak
Penticton: "Need to see Mom" special rate
Toronto: June 20
Toronto: Sept. 7-12
New Zealand: February
20 - March 5, 2018

E-mail Shortcuts
Mike is quoted in the Business Insider article: 7 Smart Shortcuts to Use in Work Email

Workplace Theme Months A great way to strengthen your culture and create new traditions and rituals is to assign a monthly theme for everyone to rally around. Here are a few ideas for Monthly Themes to get you started.

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