Inspiring Workplaces: Creating Happier Endings

Published: Wed, 05/23/18

Humor at Work

ISSUE 728 - May 23, 2018


			Creating Happier Endings

	I often talk about the importance of having "Directors of First Impressions," but what about "Directors of Last Impressions?" We know from a mountain of research how important last impressions are, so much so that people will view (and rate accordingly when they go online) their meals and holidays based disproportionately on how their meal or trip ended. The end of meetings impacts our view as to how effective the meeting was, while the end of our workday affects our mood we carry home with us and even our motivation the following morning. Everyone loves a happy ending...so here are a few thoughts on creating happier endings that leave a lasting impression. My favorite Calgary Thai restaurant, Chili's, offers diners a complimentary bowl of coconut ice cream with fruit. At a restaurant in Stockholm, Sweden, my wife and I were delighted to receive a detailed list of the food we had eaten so we could remember everything we had ordered. When checking out of a Toronto hotel, rather than getting the typical (and often inauthentic), "How was everything with your stay?", the clerk instead asked me: "On a scale of 1-10, how likely are you to recommend this place to your bestest (yes, he used that term) friend on the planet?" Then he offered me an apple and bottle of water for the road. Nordstrom's clerks are trained to step around from behind the counter when handing a customer their purchase. What can your business do to surprise customers and/or leave customers with a smile on their face and more positive last impression? End your meetings on a high note. Review the action items so people feel a sense of energy and momentum. And consider an end-of-meeting ritual, such as banging a giant gong or asking participants, "What's the #1 thing you are most excited about going forward?" Set aside 5-to-10 minutes at the end of each workday to make sure you end the day on a positive note. I know many highly successful people who swear by this practice; they might take a few minutes to write down what they accomplished, review their plan for the following day, or send out one thank-you email.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Friday, May 25 is Geek/Nerd Pride Day, and since it's a Friday to boot, why not nerd things up for the day with a nerd theme day - you could have an impromptu nerd fashion show or award a prize (a pocket protector?) for the nerdiest dressed employee (just make sure, you know, it's not how they normally dress).
		Deep Thought of the Week

"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read." Grouch Marx
		It's a Wacky World

A municipal government official for Overtornea, Sweden, proposed passing a law that would give municipal government workers one paid hour per week to go home and have sex. The councilman thought it would help add to the local population, add spice to aging marriages, and boost employee morale. The motion (so to speak) did not pass.

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More Ideas to End Your Day on The Right Foot
Mike is quoted in the Forbes article, 14 Things You Should Do at the End of the Workday

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