Inspiring Workplaces: Thinking About Teamwork

Published: Wed, 09/12/18

Humor at Work

ISSUE 742 - Sept. 12, 2018


			Thinking About Teamwork

	It's another coconut-scented edition of random musings and ideas... The Detroit-based company ePrize encourages their employees to take 5% of their time - about two hours per week - to just think! When was the last time you took just fifteen minutes to do some seriously deep, focused thinking at work? Luis von Ahn, the CEO of Duolingo, suggests one of the most motivating things any leader can do for their employees is to take the time to sincerely tell them, "What you're doing is really important." He suggests that even "lazy employees" can be motivated when you remind them of how important their job is. And yes, it'd be nice to hear it from "the boss," but don't discount the power of using that phrase with your colleagues as well. The credits at the end of Marvel Comics always includes positive adjectives with the names: "Smiling" Stan Lee, "Jolly" Jack Kirby, and "Merry" Marie Severin. Why not adapt this for your workplace anywhere you list employees' names? (Just keep the adjectives positive, please!) The next time you need to jump start your creative juices, put yourself in a child-like mindset. A 2010 North Dakota State University study found that when college students were given a creative assignment, those students that were also given the instructions that they were "7 years old" scored remarkably better on a variety of creative measures. A great "working-on-the-team" teamwork meeting exercise: Have each team member list one thing every other team member does that makes the team better; one thing each team member could improve to help strengthen the team.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

This Friday, September 14, is Hug Your Boss Day. Now, if you're not inclined to show your boss that much up close and personal attention, at least consider a metaphorical hug: Bring them a cup of their favorite coffee or send them a handwritten thank you note. Or, go the other direction and get your entire team together for a collective group boss hug - just make sure you post the photos.
		Quote of the Week

“Right now the world is filled with opportunities to replace the ordinary with something that is extraordinary or experiential.” Chris Kelly, President, Convene
		It's a Wacky World

We've all heard the old saying that when it comes to comedy, timing is everything. Famed animator Chuck Jones knew this all too well. Through trial and error he discovered the perfect number of cartoon frames required when Wile E. Coyote fell off a cliff: Wile had to hit rock bottom (literally) at exactly 14 frames after he disappeared from sight.13 frames was too short, 15 too long, but 14 frames...comic gold! (Do me a favor and please weave this important information into your next team meeting or dinner conversation.)

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Humor at Work TV
(1-minute) What is demotivating you at work? Maybe it's time to Bust Your Jobstacles!

Harvard Business Report Some good thoughts on How to Motivate Front Line Employees

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