Inspiring Workplaces: 7 Ways to Add Some Fun to Your Team Projects

Published: Wed, 02/05/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 808 - Feb. 5, 2020


			7 Ways to Add Some Fun to Your Team Projects

	True story: I was the lead project manager on an assignment known as Project Lethal Scorpion. It sounds intriguing, right, maybe even a little dangerous? Actually it was deadly boring, but to add a little intrigue and fun, and to make it easier for everyone to remember, we always dubbed our projects with either cool or ridiculous-sounding names (I still have fond memories of Project Platypus Pants). Beyond dubbing your projects something fun (which you can turn into a fun contest for the best name or use any of the dozens of random project name generators available online), here are a few ideas to help your next project along with a bit of fun attached: 1. Leverage the "IKEA Effect," which suggests that when people invest time creating something at the very beginning they are more invested in the final outcome, so involve everyone right at the start in a meaningful way. 2. Take the time to officially launch the project in a fun way, integrating the launch with a fun team building activity. Building trust and creating a psychologically safe environment for open and honest communication is critical and a well-planned team event can make a big difference. 3. Decide on some fun awards that people can earn as the project proceeds: perhaps a Houdini Award for whichever team member magically made a big problem disappear or a Swiss Army Knife Award for the best multi-tasker. 4. If it's a project spanning a long time frame, create a fun, visible scorecard where everyone can easily see and track the progress and celebrate the small milestones along the way. 5. Again, if the project takes many months, use the "Wheel of Change" to check in with everyone, perhaps once per month, with the four questions: What's one thing we need to learn to live with?; What's one thing we need to start doing?; What's one thing we need to keep doing, and What's one thing we need to stop doing? 6. Have a half time show. Okay, you don't have to invite J.Lo or Justin Timberlake, but you should plan a fun celebration as close to midway through the project as possible to recognize how far you've come and to create some momentum to help propel you to the finish line. 7. Finish with a bang! You absolutely have to plan how you are going to celebrate when you cross the finish line and recognize everyone for their hard work. There's no excuse not to celebrate the end of a big project in a fun, meaningful way!

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

As a fun way of appreciating each other at your next team meeting, kick your meeting off with a "round robin toast." One person begins by toasting another team member of their choice, raising their mug of java or tea while offering their colleague some positive, toast-like sentiments. After everyone raises their mugs in unison to toast that individual, the toastee then becomes the toaster, who now chooses any other team member other than the person who toasted them. Proceed until everyone has been toasted, finishing with the person who opened the first toast.
		Pun of the Week

I have a few jokes about unemployed people, but none of them work!
		It's a Wacky World

Tom's Diner in Denver, Colorado charges $0.38 for every stupid question a customer asks. And yes, it's listed right on their menu, sandwiched between the cottage cheese and mashed potatoes. And yes, they do follow through with it - earning them some free publicity in the process!

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Energize Your Workplace!
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Toronto: Sept. 11-15
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