3 Responses:
- Information
- Quiet
- Studious
- Library
- Organization
5 Responses:
- Smart
16 Responses and the NUMBER 1 answer:
- Book(s)
Most surprising omission (to me)? Any mention of helpful (except from me).
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Librarian: What's the First Word you Think of?
ALA Game: At ALA I asked 75 people (1 for every card I handed out) to tell me the FIRST word they thought of when they heard the word LIBRARIAN.
3 Responses:
5 Responses:
16 Responses and the NUMBER 1 answer:
Most surprising omission (to me)? Any mention of helpful (except from me).
3 Responses:
5 Responses:
16 Responses and the NUMBER 1 answer:
Most surprising omission (to me)? Any mention of helpful (except from me).
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Fun in Radiation Treatment: Part 2
A little while ago I offered a post about how the staff at Valley Medical Oncology Consultants brought a little fun to the process by offering the "toss the ring" game (http://humorinlibraries.blogspot.com/2012/08/fun-in-radiation-therapy-yes.html) I never did succeed at this, although I had quite a few near misses; and my lack of success had nothing to do with the cheering and encouragement of the staff.
Well, radiation comes and goes and pretty soon it's over. And what do these folks do? They have a graduation party complete with certificate of completion signed by everyone on staff and a bottle of sparkling apple juice. There are also hugs all around and a well-intended invitation to return (but not for radiation!).
I thought this was great and came to think that those of us in the service game could learn something from these specific acts of fun and celebration. If we don't find moments to reduce stress by introducing fun, perhaps we should; and if we don't celebrate our users/clients/customers/colleagues successes who will! Ready. Set. Go.
Well, radiation comes and goes and pretty soon it's over. And what do these folks do? They have a graduation party complete with certificate of completion signed by everyone on staff and a bottle of sparkling apple juice. There are also hugs all around and a well-intended invitation to return (but not for radiation!).
I thought this was great and came to think that those of us in the service game could learn something from these specific acts of fun and celebration. If we don't find moments to reduce stress by introducing fun, perhaps we should; and if we don't celebrate our users/clients/customers/colleagues successes who will! Ready. Set. Go.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
MadLibs(TM) for the Office
I have to give inspiration to this to the wonderful folks at MadLibs(TM).
(See http://www.madlibs.com/ if you don't know/remember what MadLibs(TM) are/were.)
The gist is that a reader has a piece of prose with some parts of speech left blank. The reader then asks the players (team members, committee, etc) to provide a preposition, definite article, proper noun, etc. depending on what the story calls for. No Context is Provided!
After all the parts of speech are recorded, the story (memorandum, strategic goal, mission statement, etc.) is read back with the suggestions in their proper grammatical and syntactical place. Usually, hilarity reigns.
Example: Reader asks for a noun and a noun
Possible answer(s): money senate
Context: It was the best of money; the worst of senate.
This could be a nice way to take the sting and stress out of some of that (formal) writing that we are all called upon to do.
It is also a nice diversion as a party game. There is a version for family trees that I am going to bring to our family reunion this summer. I can't wait to see/hear the results!
(See http://www.madlibs.com/ if you don't know/remember what MadLibs(TM) are/were.)
The gist is that a reader has a piece of prose with some parts of speech left blank. The reader then asks the players (team members, committee, etc) to provide a preposition, definite article, proper noun, etc. depending on what the story calls for. No Context is Provided!
After all the parts of speech are recorded, the story (memorandum, strategic goal, mission statement, etc.) is read back with the suggestions in their proper grammatical and syntactical place. Usually, hilarity reigns.
Example: Reader asks for a noun and a noun
Possible answer(s): money senate
Context: It was the best of money; the worst of senate.
This could be a nice way to take the sting and stress out of some of that (formal) writing that we are all called upon to do.
It is also a nice diversion as a party game. There is a version for family trees that I am going to bring to our family reunion this summer. I can't wait to see/hear the results!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Have More Fun
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.
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.
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 :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)