March, 2006

Does all work and no play make you dull? Ask your friends and family to answer that frankly. Look in the mirror and ask yourself. The axiom really is true for most of us, even those who adore what they do. You might be sick of your routine, your coworkers, etc. and your family and friends might be sick of hearing you talk about your job/company/cause.

Regardless of the size or mode of operation of your business or organization, you can inject something playful into the environment. For example, use the rah-rah sales pep rally technique of starting your usually serious, and let’s face it, often boring staff meetings with a hardy round of applause. Even the more inhibited in the room can manage that. Yes, organizations frown on all those shared jokes that clog up the email, but now and then, it’s those jokes that help people make it through the day. If you get a good “appropriate” one, tack it up on the bulletin board and spread the joy. After all who wants to be dull or wants dull people working for them?