I was perusing the current issue of Newsweek magazine (12/24/12) and came across an article about New Year's resolutions. You know what Number 1 is? HAVE MORE FUN! And Number 2? RELAX AND REDUCE STRESS! (Sources: University of Scranton, Journal of Clinical Psychology and International's Caravan (R) on behalf of Ameritrade.)
So, to paraphrase a line from an old song, there's nothing to it but to do it!
In 2013 (and beyond) take a moment for yourself, your family, your co-workers and colleagues and find your true fun self and that of others and savor the experience. This having more fun thing is a goal that can be achieved and I sure plan to give it my best effort.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Lagniappe
I have probably posted before about lagniappe. It is one of my favorite words and ideas and I first learned about it when I lived in New Orleans. In short, it means something given or obtained by way of good measure, as in something extra and unexpected.
What better idea to incorporate at this time of year, if not all year long. And the something extra does not even have to be something tangible, such as a flower or piece of chocolate or whatever you might be appropriate to the situation. It could be something as simple as looking someone right in the face, holding their gaze, and saying "Thank You" or "Well Done", when they least expect it.
In any event, when you are with a colleague, a customer, a friend, a family member or a loved one, think about offering them a little lagniappe from time to time. It's a good thing.
What better idea to incorporate at this time of year, if not all year long. And the something extra does not even have to be something tangible, such as a flower or piece of chocolate or whatever you might be appropriate to the situation. It could be something as simple as looking someone right in the face, holding their gaze, and saying "Thank You" or "Well Done", when they least expect it.
In any event, when you are with a colleague, a customer, a friend, a family member or a loved one, think about offering them a little lagniappe from time to time. It's a good thing.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Random Acts of Kindness
I found this on Facebook posted by my wonderful cousin Katie Cahnmann.
Today I facilitated a group focused on "Random Acts of Kindness." We had a discussion about doing for others and giving to others solely out of the goodness of your heart without expecting anything in return. Then I share examples and am challenging my students to go out into the community and do random acts of kindness.
Before leaving they will hand the person a card that reads: "Smile! You've just been tagged and now you're it. Someone reached out to you with an anonymous act of kindness. Now it's your turn to do the same. Do something nice for someone, leave this card behind, and keep the spirit going."
I challenge you all to do the same. Let this be the season of giving and let us all learn to Pay It Forward. For all you parents out there, this is a great lesson to teach your children...
Today I facilitated a group focused on "Random Acts of Kindness." We had a discussion about doing for others and giving to others solely out of the goodness of your heart without expecting anything in return. Then I share examples and am challenging my students to go out into the community and do random acts of kindness.
Before leaving they will hand the person a card that reads: "Smile! You've just been tagged and now you're it. Someone reached out to you with an anonymous act of kindness. Now it's your turn to do the same. Do something nice for someone, leave this card behind, and keep the spirit going."
I challenge you all to do the same. Let this be the season of giving and let us all learn to Pay It Forward. For all you parents out there, this is a great lesson to teach your children...
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Desktop/Desktop Match Game
I've been gone for a long while and wasn't sure about coming back, but then I had a thought about a game and decided to post it and see what develops.
Here's the game and it is easy. See who can best make the wallpaper/background on your PC/Mac match your physical desktop (where you do your work) configuration. (I still remember when these were called desktop systems, hence the title of the game.) Points awarded for accuracy, imagination, whimsy, and maybe even just for participation. Season themes encouraged (depending on when you play).
As always I invite you to contribute your own ideas for humor at work. I have already pretty much plumbed the depths of my creativity on this front :)
Here's the game and it is easy. See who can best make the wallpaper/background on your PC/Mac match your physical desktop (where you do your work) configuration. (I still remember when these were called desktop systems, hence the title of the game.) Points awarded for accuracy, imagination, whimsy, and maybe even just for participation. Season themes encouraged (depending on when you play).
As always I invite you to contribute your own ideas for humor at work. I have already pretty much plumbed the depths of my creativity on this front :)
Saturday, August 25, 2012
Where Were You when Armstrong Walked on the Moon?
With the news today of the death of Neil Armstrong, my immediate memory was of being in a pit orchestra at Tulane University playing for the show "Annie Get Your Gun" when the news that he walked on the moon was announced. The audience broke into spontaneous and thunderous applause; and then the show continued. Talk about a hard act to follow.
So, where were you and what do you remember about this historic event?
So, where were you and what do you remember about this historic event?
Monday, August 20, 2012
Take a Pie Tip from the Oakland A's
The Oakland Athletics have suffered many years of defeat and despair, but this year they are doing much better and are having have fun, too. The instigator is outfielder Josh Reddick or, as he is known by some, “S-PIE-DERMAN.” The reason is that when the A’s win in their last at bat, he puts a whipped cream pie in the face of the person who delivered the significant blow; and recently he has been doing this in a Spiderman costume.
Now it may be that this is a short lived proposition, good for this season and this team only, but you’ve got to admire the spirit behind it. After all, he has to get off the field, into his Spidey costume and secure the pie all in very short order and he does it with flair and panache!
Do you have someone in your organization that might be suited (sorry) for such a role? You know create a spontaneous celebration of an exciting outcome? Perhaps the instigator delivers a balloon; or becomes the Cupcake Crusader; or, well, just about anything.
This seems like an easy way to have fun and celebrate success; a win-win proposition.
And pies to the face are not required!
Fun In Radiation Therapy? Yes!
Here is a fun story from the world of radiation treatment. I kid you not!
After my friend finished his first round of radiation and before he could get up and leave, he was handed a plastic ring and invited, encouraged, commanded to try to toss it over the faucet 10-15 feet to his left and high enough so that success could be imagined.
Well, he tried, and missed. No problem. The techs said this would be the last event for every day of radiation and that they had photographs of people who had won this game not once, or twice, but as many as three times!
Consider the accomplishment here. These folks took a stressful and uncomfortable situation and made the experience for their patients a fun one; and they, too, reaped rewards by encouraging and participating in this play.
Now, it is hard to imagine anything in the workplace necessarily comparing to radiation treatment (unless that is where you work) and if they can find a way to have fun for themselves and their patients I think that raises the bar for the rest of us!
After my friend finished his first round of radiation and before he could get up and leave, he was handed a plastic ring and invited, encouraged, commanded to try to toss it over the faucet 10-15 feet to his left and high enough so that success could be imagined.
Well, he tried, and missed. No problem. The techs said this would be the last event for every day of radiation and that they had photographs of people who had won this game not once, or twice, but as many as three times!
Consider the accomplishment here. These folks took a stressful and uncomfortable situation and made the experience for their patients a fun one; and they, too, reaped rewards by encouraging and participating in this play.
Now, it is hard to imagine anything in the workplace necessarily comparing to radiation treatment (unless that is where you work) and if they can find a way to have fun for themselves and their patients I think that raises the bar for the rest of us!
Friday, August 17, 2012
Do you remember carbon paper? Beloit Mindset List - including 2016!
We have all been at one time or another part of a culture gap. This often manifests itself in one person being cheerfully oblivious to cultural phenomenon essential to someone else. My favorite example from some years ago was "Do you mean Paul McCartney had a band before Wings?" And if you don't understand any of those references, well, there you have it writ large.
I recently came across two neat examples of ways to mark some of these differences in fun ways.
The first comes from The New York Times and asks "Do You Remember Carbon Paper?"
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/opinion/sunday/answers-to-the-carbon-paper-exam.html
The second is the Beloit College Mindset List about characteristics of incoming freshman and served as a reminder to teachinbg faculty to stay away from dated references (like Paul McCartney, Wings and The Beatles!).
http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2015/
Big News: The newest Beloit Mindset List is now available at:
http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2016
Think of these as you interact with students, yes, but also younger (or older) employees, co-workers, colleagues, etc. Then, think about things in your profession that people just starting out might have no idea about and see if you can come up with your list. Sounds like fun to me, yeah! yeah! yeah!
I recently came across two neat examples of ways to mark some of these differences in fun ways.
The first comes from The New York Times and asks "Do You Remember Carbon Paper?"
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/03/opinion/sunday/answers-to-the-carbon-paper-exam.html
The second is the Beloit College Mindset List about characteristics of incoming freshman and served as a reminder to teachinbg faculty to stay away from dated references (like Paul McCartney, Wings and The Beatles!).
http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2015/
Big News: The newest Beloit Mindset List is now available at:
http://www.beloit.edu/mindset/2016
Think of these as you interact with students, yes, but also younger (or older) employees, co-workers, colleagues, etc. Then, think about things in your profession that people just starting out might have no idea about and see if you can come up with your list. Sounds like fun to me, yeah! yeah! yeah!
NASA KNOWS HOW TO HAVE FUN
A good friend sent me this terrific YouTube video of the NASA folks celebrating the successful touchdown of Curiosity on Mars. And how are you celebrating your successes these days? Celebrations don't have to be this extravagant but adding a little wit and humor can spice up any happy occasion!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QFvNhsWMU0c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QFvNhsWMU0c
Thursday, May 31, 2012
National Donut Day - June 1
The first Friday in June is acknowledged as National Donut Day. (See http://donutdayusa.com/) There's nothing to it but to bring donuts to the office and declare an official moment of donutosity and eat your favorite with joy and panache (although I think donuts taste better with coffee and/or milk).
I happen be a big fan of chocolate old fashioneds and that is what I plan to celebrate with. What about you?
I happen be a big fan of chocolate old fashioneds and that is what I plan to celebrate with. What about you?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Gender differences in humor?
There is another interesting article in my local paper today written by Venessa Wong of Bloomberg Businessweek on a recently published report published by Judith Baxter of Ashton University's School of Language & Social Sciences in the U.K. One of her findings is that jokes told by female senior professionals are often perceived as "contrived, defensive or just mean." And, "more than 80% of women's jokes [in the study] were met with silence."
Why? Well, you'll have to read the whole article and maybe even locate the study to get the full scoop.
Still, I would very much like to hear from women in leadership positions to get their perception of whether this study rings true for them; and why or why or not.
Why? Well, you'll have to read the whole article and maybe even locate the study to get the full scoop.
Still, I would very much like to hear from women in leadership positions to get their perception of whether this study rings true for them; and why or why or not.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Fun Compliments - Wish I'd Thought of These
"You are the HIGH in my NOON, the FLAP in my JACK, the JELLY in my BEAN, the HOP in my SCOTCH, the FORTUNE in my COOKIE, the GRAND in my CANYON, the BEES in my KNEES, the ZIG in my ZAG, the ROCK in my ROLL, the FOX in my TROT, the POW in my WOW, the GEE in my WHIZ."
--H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
--H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
The Importance of Play
I'd like to share a link with you that appears in the online version of the San Francisco Chronicle.
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/26/MNN01OLVQ4.DTL
There is much in this article about the importance of play; and those who read this Blog even occasionally will know that I use humor, fun, laughter, play interchangeably. The article makes the case for play in our lives (and that includes work). I'd like to highlight just a couple of points:
"Play is strongly linked to physical and mental health."
"...employees, when given free time even at work, often produce creative ideas that improve their workplaces."
"...playful social interaction is strongly affected by dopamine, endorphins and other neurotransmitters that are also intimately linked to the motivational and pleasurable aspects of food, drugs and sex. The brain regions where positive emotions and motivation originate also mediate play."
(Some of the material cited in this article and post is from Stuart Brown, co-author of Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul.")
As the summer fun season approaches, what are you doing to bring yourself and others the opportunity for fun, fun, fun ('til daddy takes the t-bird away).
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/05/26/MNN01OLVQ4.DTL
There is much in this article about the importance of play; and those who read this Blog even occasionally will know that I use humor, fun, laughter, play interchangeably. The article makes the case for play in our lives (and that includes work). I'd like to highlight just a couple of points:
"Play is strongly linked to physical and mental health."
"...employees, when given free time even at work, often produce creative ideas that improve their workplaces."
"...playful social interaction is strongly affected by dopamine, endorphins and other neurotransmitters that are also intimately linked to the motivational and pleasurable aspects of food, drugs and sex. The brain regions where positive emotions and motivation originate also mediate play."
(Some of the material cited in this article and post is from Stuart Brown, co-author of Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul.")
As the summer fun season approaches, what are you doing to bring yourself and others the opportunity for fun, fun, fun ('til daddy takes the t-bird away).
Friday, April 27, 2012
Fun - Managed/Structured or Natural/Organic?
When I have been referring to fun in these little posts, I have been assuming the organic, spontaneous fun that most of us enjoy every day and in a myriad of contexts - home, work, etc.
But as I read more deeply into the literature, and which was brought out at a recent visit to University of San Francisco, there is a dark side to the fun force. I speak here of organized or, better, managed fun.
Here is a quote from "Benefits and Challenges of Fun in the Workplace" by April Everett from Library Leadership & Management, Volume 25, No 1: "Manufactured fun, that which is imposed or required, may create an environment of cubicle-decorating cynics."
And from Sharon Bolton and Maeve Houlihan's article in Employee Relations, Volume 35, No 6, 2009: "However worthy these ideas (fun at work), their translation into practice might be seen as cynical. Fun - official fun - is the order of the day. (The following citations can be found in full in the bibliography of their article.)
They proceed to quote J. Gordon: "Structured fun is fun for the whimsically impaired; fun with all the fun squeezed out; fun, hold the fun."
And one more cautionary quote they cite from J. Hamilton: "I am here today to speak for the victims. The poor downtrodden employees yearning to go home. The party-pooping, costume-hating working stiffs. Those who dream about letting certain colleagues flop straight to the floor in the trust-building, don't worry we'll catch you exercise."
The point is that while there is considerable literature that tells us that humor in the workplace is a good thing it is important to remember that you cannot make people have fun or participate in fun activities or anything else for that matter. And exercising such caution is imperative in developing a corporate culture that welcomes fun and a natural, organic byproduct of the work environment.
But as I read more deeply into the literature, and which was brought out at a recent visit to University of San Francisco, there is a dark side to the fun force. I speak here of organized or, better, managed fun.
Here is a quote from "Benefits and Challenges of Fun in the Workplace" by April Everett from Library Leadership & Management, Volume 25, No 1: "Manufactured fun, that which is imposed or required, may create an environment of cubicle-decorating cynics."
And from Sharon Bolton and Maeve Houlihan's article in Employee Relations, Volume 35, No 6, 2009: "However worthy these ideas (fun at work), their translation into practice might be seen as cynical. Fun - official fun - is the order of the day. (The following citations can be found in full in the bibliography of their article.)
They proceed to quote J. Gordon: "Structured fun is fun for the whimsically impaired; fun with all the fun squeezed out; fun, hold the fun."
And one more cautionary quote they cite from J. Hamilton: "I am here today to speak for the victims. The poor downtrodden employees yearning to go home. The party-pooping, costume-hating working stiffs. Those who dream about letting certain colleagues flop straight to the floor in the trust-building, don't worry we'll catch you exercise."
The point is that while there is considerable literature that tells us that humor in the workplace is a good thing it is important to remember that you cannot make people have fun or participate in fun activities or anything else for that matter. And exercising such caution is imperative in developing a corporate culture that welcomes fun and a natural, organic byproduct of the work environment.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
45 Fun Ideas from USF
45 Fun Ideas from USF
4/19/12
Buzzword Bingo
Library Prom (3)
Bay Cruise
Visit pin ball museum
Attend a baseball game
“Potomac” boat cruise
Whale watching
Movie Night
Flash mob (3)
Campus architecture tour
Slippers/pajama night
Themed clothes day (2)
Samba/Conga on April 1
Flying kites
Bike riding
Petting zoo (3)
Stacks hide n seek
Prank: rearrange shelves at some other library
Tyrone mask day
Plant/flower day
Horseback riding
Switching job roles
30” humorous clip
Unplug day (no wired technology)
2 truths and a lie
Smoothie bar
Scavenger hunt
Party on the roof/bar on the roof
No quiet zone for 15”
Staff party at wax museum
Dance lessons
Dance-off contest
Roller skating in the library
Shuffleboard in the library
Close library on Monday and Friday
4 hour work days
Departmental novel
Baby picture day
Dunk the Dean and/or the Library Leadership Team
Corporate naps
Cartoons at Noon
DJ day
Staff retreat in Hawaii or Paris
Staff dress like student day
Talk show(s) on TV in library lobby
Happy Birthday, Shakespeare
Although there is competing historical evidence surrounding the birth of one William Shakespeare, there seems to be consenses that it was on April 23, 1564.
And, although there continue to be scholars who debate whether Mr Shakespeare actually was the author of such boffo hits as Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It and all those Henrys and Richards, I've yet to hear or read anything to convince me against him.
So, what are you doing to celebrate the Bard's birthday? Maybe a contest to see who can name all the Shakespeare plays (no smart phones, IPADs, computers, etc. allowed!). How about a trivia contest on some one of his plays? Hamlet might be good. Or perhaps just sit and read some of the most glorious prose/poetry ever written.
Or, maybe you can find a recording of the Reduced Shakespeare Company performing all of Shakespeare's plays in about an hour and a half! (http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/)
In any event, this could be a good time to "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." (http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/kissmekate/brushupyourshakespeare.htm)
And, although there continue to be scholars who debate whether Mr Shakespeare actually was the author of such boffo hits as Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Romeo and Juliet, As You Like It and all those Henrys and Richards, I've yet to hear or read anything to convince me against him.
So, what are you doing to celebrate the Bard's birthday? Maybe a contest to see who can name all the Shakespeare plays (no smart phones, IPADs, computers, etc. allowed!). How about a trivia contest on some one of his plays? Hamlet might be good. Or perhaps just sit and read some of the most glorious prose/poetry ever written.
Or, maybe you can find a recording of the Reduced Shakespeare Company performing all of Shakespeare's plays in about an hour and a half! (http://www.reducedshakespeare.com/)
In any event, this could be a good time to "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." (http://www.stlyrics.com/lyrics/kissmekate/brushupyourshakespeare.htm)
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Play Ball - 6 novels about baseball
I found this post of 6 excellent baseball novels available on bookriot.com. I was disappointed that neither The Southpaw or Bang the Drum Slowly (both by Mark Harris) were incliuded. What baseball novels would be on your list?
http://bookriot.com/2012/04/05/top-six-baseball-novels/
In the meantime, how about setting up a nerf or whiffle ball baseball league at your place of employment?
Batter up!
http://bookriot.com/2012/04/05/top-six-baseball-novels/
In the meantime, how about setting up a nerf or whiffle ball baseball league at your place of employment?
Batter up!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Another picture of what fun looks like
I was surfing the web this morning and came across this article in Inc.
http://www.inc.com/erik-sherman/have-tech-start-ups-lost-their-sense-of-fun.html
I like that the author goes beyond my rather limited ideas of what constitutes fun to something stronger, to wit:
"... At that point, it's time for a fun break. Not what often passes for fun in many companies: ping pong tables, beers at the end of a long week, or—heaven help us!—some officially sanctioned team-building exercise. What you and your company need is doing a bit more of what you love.
Give employees a chance to work on some ideas they've thought might make a real difference, without worrying how much extra profit they might bring in. Let R&D people dream and ponder. Talk to customers and ask about their lives, what they enjoy, what keeps them awake at night—not about your products and services—so you can get to know them. Let yourself be fallible, uncertain, delighted, and filled with wonder."
True enough. There is hardly anything more fun than doing what you love. This might also resonate more strongly with senior management than those ping pong tables!
http://www.inc.com/erik-sherman/have-tech-start-ups-lost-their-sense-of-fun.html
I like that the author goes beyond my rather limited ideas of what constitutes fun to something stronger, to wit:
"... At that point, it's time for a fun break. Not what often passes for fun in many companies: ping pong tables, beers at the end of a long week, or—heaven help us!—some officially sanctioned team-building exercise. What you and your company need is doing a bit more of what you love.
Give employees a chance to work on some ideas they've thought might make a real difference, without worrying how much extra profit they might bring in. Let R&D people dream and ponder. Talk to customers and ask about their lives, what they enjoy, what keeps them awake at night—not about your products and services—so you can get to know them. Let yourself be fallible, uncertain, delighted, and filled with wonder."
True enough. There is hardly anything more fun than doing what you love. This might also resonate more strongly with senior management than those ping pong tables!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Laughter Works-Take a Look
I want to thank my cousin David (again) for a timely, useful and entertaining link.
http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Other-News/Laughter-Works-Take-a-Look
I especially like the quote from Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain:
Again my question is, if there is so much empirical and scholarly evidence that laughter, humor, fun, etc. enrich the workplace, why isn't it a more intentional part of an organization's culture?
http://www.aflcio.org/Blog/Other-News/Laughter-Works-Take-a-Look
I especially like the quote from Oregon AFL-CIO President Tom Chamberlain:
"When people laugh together, when they have a good time together, guess what? They develop a relationship. That’s what we’re trying to do."
Again my question is, if there is so much empirical and scholarly evidence that laughter, humor, fun, etc. enrich the workplace, why isn't it a more intentional part of an organization's culture?
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
OREO Cookie is 100
Please feel free to forward, repost or link to this Blog. And while you're at, have an Oreo for me!
According to my local paper, today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Oreo cookie. 'Nuf said. Get some packages - regular and double stuff - and pass 'em around and celebrate the genius that created this lip smackin' yummy snack!
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate: http://www.freep.com/article/20120306/FEATURES01/120306033/1027/features/Oreo-celebrates-100th-birthday-Here-5-ways-honor-cream-filled-treat
And this looks like fun, too: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120305/NEWS01/703059943
According to my local paper, today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Oreo cookie. 'Nuf said. Get some packages - regular and double stuff - and pass 'em around and celebrate the genius that created this lip smackin' yummy snack!
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate: http://www.freep.com/article/20120306/FEATURES01/120306033/1027/features/Oreo-celebrates-100th-birthday-Here-5-ways-honor-cream-filled-treat
And this looks like fun, too: http://www.omaha.com/article/20120305/NEWS01/703059943
Monday, March 5, 2012
Just Say Yes
Please feel free to forward, repost or link to this Blog.
I had a wonderful dinner tonight with friends and at the end we had the chance to meet the manager of the restaurant and express our appreciation to him and his staff. As he was leaving the table, we asked, on the spur of the moment, if we three could split an Irish Coffee. He replied that he had won the restaurant's "Yes Man" award several times and immediately placed our order. Not only did our coffees arrive within minutes, but the restaurant picked up the tab for them! Will we be going back? You bet your bippy we will.
So, does your team, work group, organization have a Yes Man (or Woman)? Do you honor those who go out of their way to get the customer, consumer, client (or co-worker) to Yes? Is getting to Yes part of your organizational culture? It is such a little thing and yet can make an enormous difference.
I am going to try to be more attentive now to helping myself and others get to Yes. Do I think you should too? Yes:)
I had a wonderful dinner tonight with friends and at the end we had the chance to meet the manager of the restaurant and express our appreciation to him and his staff. As he was leaving the table, we asked, on the spur of the moment, if we three could split an Irish Coffee. He replied that he had won the restaurant's "Yes Man" award several times and immediately placed our order. Not only did our coffees arrive within minutes, but the restaurant picked up the tab for them! Will we be going back? You bet your bippy we will.
So, does your team, work group, organization have a Yes Man (or Woman)? Do you honor those who go out of their way to get the customer, consumer, client (or co-worker) to Yes? Is getting to Yes part of your organizational culture? It is such a little thing and yet can make an enormous difference.
I am going to try to be more attentive now to helping myself and others get to Yes. Do I think you should too? Yes:)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Do My Job for a Day
Please feel free to repost or forward this, and all other, blog entries.
This idea has floated around in different incarnations for a while and it is deceptively simple. On a given day, the people in your organization (or team) trade jobs with one another. This is an excellent way to get acquainted with and gain an appreciation for the work that your colleagues do; it can lead to stronger teams; career opportunities that might not have been apparent might be unearthed; and it is fun!
Ideally everyone participates, right up to the head honcho, the big kahuna, the leader of the pack, etc.
There would have to be some time planning when to do this and what limits if any to impose on the day. But as I have said before, a lot of the most fun in the workplace comes from planning fun events!
This idea has floated around in different incarnations for a while and it is deceptively simple. On a given day, the people in your organization (or team) trade jobs with one another. This is an excellent way to get acquainted with and gain an appreciation for the work that your colleagues do; it can lead to stronger teams; career opportunities that might not have been apparent might be unearthed; and it is fun!
Ideally everyone participates, right up to the head honcho, the big kahuna, the leader of the pack, etc.
There would have to be some time planning when to do this and what limits if any to impose on the day. But as I have said before, a lot of the most fun in the workplace comes from planning fun events!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Laughter is the Best Medicine
My thanks to my cousin David Shore for finding this article and forwarding me the link.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080124200913.htm#.T0rYK9dW4Aw.facebook
Canisius College (2008, January 24). Laughter Is The Best Medicine. ScienceDaily. Retrieved February 26, 2012, from http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/01/080124200913.htm#.T0rYK9dW4Aw.facebook"Laughter is the Best Medicine"
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/01/080124200913.htm#.T0rYK9dW4Aw.facebook
Saturday, February 25, 2012
You/they go together like ...
Please feel free to forward or repost ...
You've heard this many times: "They go together like ham and eggs, peanut butter and jelly, and so forth and so on."
Well, how far can you carry this?
Capone and Ness?
Certain athletes and Steroids?
Hay and fever?
Let's see how long a list we can compile and then use it with colleagues, coworkers, friends, and family. I bet we get some hilarious results and reactions :)
You've heard this many times: "They go together like ham and eggs, peanut butter and jelly, and so forth and so on."
Well, how far can you carry this?
Capone and Ness?
Certain athletes and Steroids?
Hay and fever?
Let's see how long a list we can compile and then use it with colleagues, coworkers, friends, and family. I bet we get some hilarious results and reactions :)
Monday, February 20, 2012
Mardi Gras
Okay - Mardi Gras - Fat Tuesday - is here tomorrow and that leaves little time for planning. But have you thought about having your own Mardi Gras parade(s)? Perhaps each department, division, team or some subset could be their own Krewes and march through your facility dispensing memorabilia specific to their function, i.e., date due slips from a circulation team; brochures from marketing; invoices from accounting; etc. You get the drift. And if they were to be in costume, or wearing masks, so much the better. And if the audience occasionally yelled, "Throw me somethin'", well you might as well be in N'Oleans!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
More Fun Ideas from SCU
Please feel free to forward or repost this or any other message from this Blog.
Good workshop today at Santa Clara; and they came up with another interesting list of fun activities:
Good workshop today at Santa Clara; and they came up with another interesting list of fun activities:
- Potlucks
- Circus
- Silly hat day
- Formal wear Friday
- Tacky jewelry day and/or exchange
- Dance on your lunch break
- Bring your craft to work
- Bring your pet or, if not sanctioned, bring your stuffed animal; or bring your imaginary friend (Can you say Harvey!)
- Dress like your imaginary friend
- Learn something new from co-workers
- Post/distribute happy thoughts and best fun/happiness/play quotes
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Wellness and Fun in the Workplace
Please feel free to forward or repost this or any other message from this Blog.
I am getting ready to give a talk on Fun in the Workplace at Santa Clara University and have been asked to do so in the context of workplace wellness. So I did a little research on wellness and found a Harvard Business Review article "What's the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?" (http://hbr.org/2010/12/whats-the-hard-return-on-employee-wellness-programs/ar/1) It turns out that the returns are considerable in reducing health costs and retaining employees, to name but two. I encourage you to read the entire article as it really helps makes the case to upper management about what's in it for them.
This article also mentions FUN as part of an organization's wellness program which leads me to another article I found, this from the Mayo Clinic and titled "Stress Relief from Laughter? Yes, no joke." (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00034) The article provides a nice snapshot of some short-term and long-term physiological and psychological benefits of laughter (which I am lumping in with fun and play and humor).
Finally, there was an article in today's (2/14/12) The New York Times on the Op-Ed page titled "Making Good Citizenship Fun" and ending with this quote: "The moral here is simple. If governments (ed: or any organization) want to encourage good citizenship (ed: or whatever your specific goal is) they should try making the desired behavior more fun. In other words, and in Mary Poppins speak, "A spoonful of sugar helps (or might help) the medicine go down!"
I don't assert that fun (play, humor, etc.) is the only strategy to use, but these articles remind us that it can be an important strategy when used wisely.
And please remember that the best fun is organic, spontaneous fun as opposed to manufactured and forced fun. Infact, manufactured fun is an oxymoron and to be avoided unless you are playing a game of collecting oxymorons!
Comments as always are appreciated.
I am getting ready to give a talk on Fun in the Workplace at Santa Clara University and have been asked to do so in the context of workplace wellness. So I did a little research on wellness and found a Harvard Business Review article "What's the Hard Return on Employee Wellness Programs?" (http://hbr.org/2010/12/whats-the-hard-return-on-employee-wellness-programs/ar/1) It turns out that the returns are considerable in reducing health costs and retaining employees, to name but two. I encourage you to read the entire article as it really helps makes the case to upper management about what's in it for them.
This article also mentions FUN as part of an organization's wellness program which leads me to another article I found, this from the Mayo Clinic and titled "Stress Relief from Laughter? Yes, no joke." (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stress-relief/SR00034) The article provides a nice snapshot of some short-term and long-term physiological and psychological benefits of laughter (which I am lumping in with fun and play and humor).
Finally, there was an article in today's (2/14/12) The New York Times on the Op-Ed page titled "Making Good Citizenship Fun" and ending with this quote: "The moral here is simple. If governments (ed: or any organization) want to encourage good citizenship (ed: or whatever your specific goal is) they should try making the desired behavior more fun. In other words, and in Mary Poppins speak, "A spoonful of sugar helps (or might help) the medicine go down!"
I don't assert that fun (play, humor, etc.) is the only strategy to use, but these articles remind us that it can be an important strategy when used wisely.
And please remember that the best fun is organic, spontaneous fun as opposed to manufactured and forced fun. Infact, manufactured fun is an oxymoron and to be avoided unless you are playing a game of collecting oxymorons!
Comments as always are appreciated.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
The Dickens You Say!
There is a lot of ado and brouhaha - and rightly so - over the commemoration of Charles Dickens' 200th birthday. So. quick now, without thinking too hard, name your favorite Dickens novel, male character and female character. Then combine the answers from this blog and have a family feud at your organization/team to see what this very informal survey says. Have fun (always) :)
P.S - Here is a link to The Atlantic's Top Ten Dickens characters: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/02/10-greatest-charles-dickens-characters/252715/#slide1
My faves:
Novel: A Tale of Two Cities
Male Character: Sydney Carton
Female Character: Miss Havisham
P.S - Here is a link to The Atlantic's Top Ten Dickens characters: http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2012/02/10-greatest-charles-dickens-characters/252715/#slide1
My faves:
Novel: A Tale of Two Cities
Male Character: Sydney Carton
Female Character: Miss Havisham
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Recommended reading
Friends,
By happy good fortune, the January-February 2012 issue of Harvard Business Review has a large section devoted to happiness including a section on creating sustainable performance - specifically ways to encourage employees to grow and thrive in your organization. There is not an explicit correlation between happiness and fun but this link does appear throughout the issue if in somewhat nuanced and subtle tones.
I highly recommend this for your reading pleasure. If your organization does not subscribe to it, perhaps you can find it at your local public library and request articles through interlibrary loan.
Cheers.
By happy good fortune, the January-February 2012 issue of Harvard Business Review has a large section devoted to happiness including a section on creating sustainable performance - specifically ways to encourage employees to grow and thrive in your organization. There is not an explicit correlation between happiness and fun but this link does appear throughout the issue if in somewhat nuanced and subtle tones.
I highly recommend this for your reading pleasure. If your organization does not subscribe to it, perhaps you can find it at your local public library and request articles through interlibrary loan.
Cheers.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Leap Day
Please feel free to repost or forward this blog entry, or any other :)
Leap Day, Feb 29, is almost here and it is time to start thinking about ways to celebrate this once every four years phenomenon. For example, you could collect a list of people who got married, started their job, have a birthday, etc. on Feb 29 and have a celebration for them. This could also be the moment to celebrate that special occasion that has been put off and put off...
You might also consider turning this into a day of aerobics and simply leaping (or hopping) instead of walking. Or, have a leap frog competition.
There are really no proscribed limits on how to celebrate Leap Day. It is up to you and your organization, team, etc. to boldly leap where no team has leaped before!
For some tidbits on Leap Year please click on over to these links.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/leap-year-2012-what-will-_n_1293857.html
http://listsoplenty.com/blog/?p=11922
Leap Day, Feb 29, is almost here and it is time to start thinking about ways to celebrate this once every four years phenomenon. For example, you could collect a list of people who got married, started their job, have a birthday, etc. on Feb 29 and have a celebration for them. This could also be the moment to celebrate that special occasion that has been put off and put off...
You might also consider turning this into a day of aerobics and simply leaping (or hopping) instead of walking. Or, have a leap frog competition.
There are really no proscribed limits on how to celebrate Leap Day. It is up to you and your organization, team, etc. to boldly leap where no team has leaped before!
For some tidbits on Leap Year please click on over to these links.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/leap-year-2012-what-will-_n_1293857.html
http://listsoplenty.com/blog/?p=11922
Monday, January 9, 2012
Do you have a FUNU?
All credit on this one to the syndicated cartoon The Fusco Brothers.
http://www.gocomics.com/thefuscobrothers/2012/01/09
Universal UClick Copyright 2012 J.C. Duffy 1-9
I think every organization/team should have a FUNU, a collection of things that make you and others smile, and that can be distributed as needed and required or just for the heck of it. (Beanie propeller hats encouraged but not required!)
http://www.gocomics.com/thefuscobrothers/2012/01/09
Universal UClick Copyright 2012 J.C. Duffy 1-9
I think every organization/team should have a FUNU, a collection of things that make you and others smile, and that can be distributed as needed and required or just for the heck of it. (Beanie propeller hats encouraged but not required!)
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Why not have fun in the workplace?
I read a couple of tidbits in the last few days that prompt me to speak for a little bit on why fun in the workplace. I mean, in some ways it seems counter-intuitive, and yet, it also makes a lot of sense.
First, this from Larry Lagid, columnist for the Bay Area News Group and occasional commentator for KCBS news in the Bay Area:
"What Facebook and Google offices have in common is that sense of openness and the constant mixture of work and play.
"It's become a Silicon Valley tradition to offer on-sire distractions, ranging from foosball tables to volleyball courts, and to give employees maximum flexibility as to how to use their time.
"There are plenty of people working long and odd hours because - as any aware manager understands - creativity doesn't always strike between 9am and 5pm. Google and Facebook encourage their employees to stay around.
"Sure I've seen Google employees 'waste time' by playing impromptu soccer games on the company's parklike lawns. But when the game is over, they're back at work within minutes and - who knows - there may very well be some creative work getting done in their heads as they play."
(Full link: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_19640733?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com)
And then there is a group called The Humor Group which has publishes a newsletter and blog and offers a lively series of ideas for incorporating fun into the workplace. What is most interesting and relevant is their client list which includes such organizations as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, New York Library Association, and Walt Disney Co. (Full list available at: http://www.humorproject.com/about/clients.php)
What do these two articles mean for your organization? Simply that your competitors in recruitment and retention have decided to invest time, energy and money to find way to provide a "value-added" experience for their employees through the use of fun in the workplace. (I use fun and humor interchangeably.)
(Here is a link to an article from FastCompany with some ideas they have for fun in the workplace. Fast Company describes themselves as "the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethonomics (ethical economics), leadership, and design. Written for, by, and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company and FastCompany.com inspire readers and users to think beyond traditional boundaries, lead conversations, and create the future of business."
Please also note the quote embedded in the article. "Yet, research at California State University Long Beach showed that people who have fun at work are more creative, more productive, work better with others and call in sick less often"
And here's the link to the list: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/tom-stern/my-work-life-balance-sheet/ten-ways-inject-fun-workplace
This is a big deal especially when you think about how to keep and and/or attract the best and brightest. It might could be the kind of work your firm does that attracts them; or the salary and benefits; but isn't it nice to know you can offer something that does not take a big chunk out of the bottom line, is easy to do, and has the potential for such excellent results.
First, this from Larry Lagid, columnist for the Bay Area News Group and occasional commentator for KCBS news in the Bay Area:
"What Facebook and Google offices have in common is that sense of openness and the constant mixture of work and play.
"It's become a Silicon Valley tradition to offer on-sire distractions, ranging from foosball tables to volleyball courts, and to give employees maximum flexibility as to how to use their time.
"There are plenty of people working long and odd hours because - as any aware manager understands - creativity doesn't always strike between 9am and 5pm. Google and Facebook encourage their employees to stay around.
"Sure I've seen Google employees 'waste time' by playing impromptu soccer games on the company's parklike lawns. But when the game is over, they're back at work within minutes and - who knows - there may very well be some creative work getting done in their heads as they play."
(Full link: http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_19640733?IADID=Search-www.contracostatimes.com-www.contracostatimes.com)
And then there is a group called The Humor Group which has publishes a newsletter and blog and offers a lively series of ideas for incorporating fun into the workplace. What is most interesting and relevant is their client list which includes such organizations as Hewlett-Packard, IBM, New York Library Association, and Walt Disney Co. (Full list available at: http://www.humorproject.com/about/clients.php)
What do these two articles mean for your organization? Simply that your competitors in recruitment and retention have decided to invest time, energy and money to find way to provide a "value-added" experience for their employees through the use of fun in the workplace. (I use fun and humor interchangeably.)
(Here is a link to an article from FastCompany with some ideas they have for fun in the workplace. Fast Company describes themselves as "the world's leading progressive business media brand, with a unique editorial focus on innovation in technology, ethonomics (ethical economics), leadership, and design. Written for, by, and about the most progressive business leaders, Fast Company and FastCompany.com inspire readers and users to think beyond traditional boundaries, lead conversations, and create the future of business."
Please also note the quote embedded in the article. "Yet, research at California State University Long Beach showed that people who have fun at work are more creative, more productive, work better with others and call in sick less often"
And here's the link to the list: http://www.fastcompany.com/blog/tom-stern/my-work-life-balance-sheet/ten-ways-inject-fun-workplace
This is a big deal especially when you think about how to keep and and/or attract the best and brightest. It might could be the kind of work your firm does that attracts them; or the salary and benefits; but isn't it nice to know you can offer something that does not take a big chunk out of the bottom line, is easy to do, and has the potential for such excellent results.
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