Inspiring Workplaces: Humor in the Face of Adversity

Published: Wed, 08/16/17

Humor at Work

ISSUE 691 - Aug. 16, 2017


			Humor in the Face of Adversity

	It's another fat-free, maple syrup infused edition of random ideas and musings... Admin employees who work at Zappos are called "time ninjas." "Humor in the face of adversity" is listed as a key value for Royal Marine Commandos and Canadian Special Ops personnel. Does your company value the importance of humor in times of adversity? When an employee is terminated (whether by firing or cutbacks) from Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream company, the company helps them through the transition every step of the way, even following up with employees up to three years afterwards. Smart companies and leaders always play the long game. Marriott Hotels has a great philosophy: "No job is too large or too small for any employee." This is one of the reasons they cross train every employee so that everyone knows the ins and outs of all the key roles. A Caterpillar dealership in southern Missouri increased their percentage of net sales in their industry by a whopping 300% by focusing on improved employee engagement. Happy employees = happy clients = happy profits! The next time you are facing a challenging decision try using what's known as the "rocking chair test" by asking yourself: “Looking back on your life, what would your 90-year old self advise you to do right now?”

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Some companies use a face recognition game when employees log on to their computers to help employees learn the names of all their colleagues. If this isn't an option, figure out something else that might make it fun for everyone to learn not just colleagues' names, but your key customers' names as well.
		Quote of the Week

“There’s power in looking silly and not caring that you do.” Amy Poehler
		It's a Wacky World

I stumbled upon this help wanted ad...I'm not too sure how effective it would be... Help Wanted: Part time sales person who won't quit after two months, who works hard and doesn't think she's doing me a favor by working here, who can take a joke and who won't cry every day on the floor. Inquire within.

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Teaching Your Culture to New Employees Webinar Register for this idea-packed webinar to learn innovative ways companies are recruiting, hiring, and on-boarding employees and teaching their culture to new employees. Tuesday August 29

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