Inspiring Workplaces: Sharing the Love at Work

Published: Wed, 02/14/18

Humor at Work

ISSUE 715 - Feb. 14, 2018


			Sharing the Love at Work

	It's another poutine-infused edition (and wouldn't that make an awesome cologne?) of random thoughts and ideas: A study of over 51,000 people found that your chances of being seen as an effective leader if you are viewed as unlikable is 1 in 2000! A survey in Fast Company magazine asked readers what the top barriers to creativity in business are. The top answers were: fear of the new; (32% of respondents); inertia (28%); bureaucracy (23%). What is blocking creativity in your company? I'd love to hear from you on this! Small nudges can have big payoffs when it comes to changing people's behaviors: A "nudge unit" created in the UK helped generate an extra 210 million pounds in revenue simply by reminding the British of how many Brits pay their taxes on time. Small, nudging reminders can pay huge dividends in your workplace! Get in the habit of holding short "Best Practices" meetings once a month where you bring together employees from different teams or even outside businesses. And don't just tap into the usual suspects for topics, consider topics such as: stress management and work/life balance practices; dealing with annoying coworkers; adding more fun to the workplace...etc. What makes people happier? a) Receiving $30,000 once or, b) receiving $10,000 three times? The answer is b, and this result shows up in numerous studies in numerous ways, which is a reminder that when it comes to celebrating success at work, handing out bonuses, or sharing appreciation, smaller but more frequent "dosages" create happier employees and workplaces.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Since February 14th is dedicated to showing our appreciation to our loved ones, try spreading a bit of positive love in a fun way at work the way one of my clients does: They dedicate a day each month where people leave funny, kind, heartfelt sticky-notes of thanks and appreciation in unusual and surprising places for people to discover as they go about their workday - under the photocopier tray, under a coffee mug, in a lunchroom cupboard, or on an employee's car windshield.
		Deep Thought of the Week for Valentine's Day

Why are 'You’re my one and only' romantic greeting cards available in bulk orders?
		It's a Wacky World

University of Maryland has a team of academic experts dedicated to educating the media about Valentine's Day, presumably so they can share tidbits such as this: In the middle ages, people believed that the first unmarried person of the opposite sex you met on the morning of St. Valentine’s Day would become your spouse! So if you're single and you haven't left for work yet, plan your route carefully!

Cost-Savings to Book Mike to Speak:
Kelowna: April 23-25
Montreal: May 1-3
Vancouver: June 20-25
Vancouver: Sept. 22-25
Winnipeg: Oct 15 -16

Manager Shift Webinar - Feb 21st!
Want an easier way to motivate your staff and get them to take more ownership of their work? If so, my pal James Robbins is doing a fabulous webinar on February 21st called The Manager Shift where he walks you through a powerful framework that thousands of managers around the world are using to make leading their employees easier and simpler. Register RIGHT HERE!

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