Spur-of-the-Moment Nonsense
It just hit me that everything on the list of ways to put nonsense to work is a bunch of planned nonsense. Nothing wrong with that. It’s a nice “ounce of prevention” for the things that cause dips in morale and productivity. And like dates with your spouse and times to exercise…if you don’t plan them, they won’t happen.
BUT - unplanned nonsense is important and powerful too.
At a day long planning retreat, things got a bit tense. We were trying to solve a systems problem. There was lots of blame being cast around. Some of it silent. The worst kind.
We kept at it for a while. But then it became clear. Collaborative efforts had collapsed. Nerves were tense. Creative win-win solutions were hidden. There was no food left in the room. We were in trouble. Read more
Nonsense from Zappos
Would it be wise to add this as #11 to our list of wise ways to put nonsense to work?
What would we call it: ” Zappos Executive Tie and Plunger Challenge”?
Read more
Brainteaser #22
Use a brainteaser to start or revive or end a meeting. A great way to shift the brain, spark new energy, maybe even cause a giggle or a smile. All of which can help you boost morale and productivity.
Speaking of “nonsense” (see Quote of the Week)…
These seemingly “nonsense” words have pairs of opposites in them. For example: lshoorntg would be “Long /Short”. Can you make sense out of this nonsense? If so, you are wise. Very wise.
1) Wfateirer
2) Grsokuynd
3) Rpoiocrh Read more
A Memorable April Fools
Here are some memorable April Fools shenanigans from my past. It all came out okay. But I must point out that pulling this kind of nonsense wouldn’t be a wise thing to do in most offices these days.
One year, I sent a memo to the staff saying I was resigning from the team. I thought surely they would realize it was a joke. But…they fell for it.
Fast forward to April 1 of the following year. We had a staff meeting that morning and soon after it started, a police officer walked in and asked for Jan Watts (my name at the time). I raised my hand, he came over, read me my rights and handcuffed me.
Then just as the music started, he took off his hat and put it on my head.
Oh my goodness.
The final result is pictured below.
Note that we did a bit of cover up. I mean, like, what if this guy’s wife and children don’t know he used to be a stripper? Read more
10 Wise Ways to Put Nonsense to Work
If you’ve had the pedal to the medal, pushing hard to make sales quotas, budget projections and production schedules, it’s time to put our Quote of the Week to work.
Just a little nonsense can do wonders for office atmosphere and productivity – thereby improving your business.
And besides, April is Stress Management Month. And doesn’t nonsense lead to laughter? And isn’t laughter like a mini-vacation?
So – here are 10 ways to put nonsense to work at work. If you have any to add, we’d love to hear from you! And we welcome photos!
Warning: If you choose to do any of these things, you may feel like a fool. Your teammates may roll their eyes. But they will laugh too. And that will lighten the load, break the tension and maybe even bring people closer together. Not just today – but down the road as they think about or talk about the day that ___________ (fill in the blank). Read more
Quote of the Week: Think it’s foolish?
In celebration of April Fool’s Day…
Though we selected this quote in celebration of April Fool’s Day, we think it would be foolish not to heed these wise words year round.
And it would be foolish not to come back frequently this week as we’ll be featuring many wise ways to put nonsense to work.
Opportunities to boost morale. And productivity.
Causing bumps, jumps, even leaps in the direction of your goals.
Related Articles: Read more
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Ready to be foolish?
Only four more days til Fools Day.
One thing for sure…you’d be foolish not to bookmark this site for frequent visits this week.
That is…if you care anything at all about morale and productivity.
Related Articles
- Quote of the Week: Think it’s foolish?
- Quick List: 10 Wise Ways to Put Nonsense to Work
- A Memorable April Fools
- Brainteaser of the Week #22
- Nonsense from Zappos
- Spur-of-the-Moment Nonsense
- Movie of the Week – Patch Adams
copyright 2010 – Business Class Inc.
Remember Earth Hour is Tonight!
Be sure to go dark to go forward!
Movie of the Week – UP
To keep morale and productivity at its peak, a combination of movement is needed. Some backward for reflection and learning from the past. Some standing still for rest and recovery. But not too much. It’s important to Monitor & Move Forward or we’ll end up with stagnant, dead and rotten stuff. Yuck.
When we get it just right – the reward is feeling UP! Ready and raring to go! And when our team is with us on that – WOW!
Speaking of “UP”, that’s our Movie of the Week. As adults, we tend to think animated movies are for the young. But, this is a must-see for anyone who wants to move forward (or up!).
In the movie, Carl and his wife plan to go on an adventure, but “life” gets in their way and she dies before they fulfill the dream. He stands still and moves backward through all the memories and dreams they shared. You’ll see some of that in this 2-minute clip.
Go get the popcorn, grab a box of tissues and gather everyone around. Watch this clip and then come back because guess what?! There’s a bonus film! Yep – another double feature this week! Read more
Announcement: Go dark to go forward
As part of our mission to boost morale and productivity, we declared this week: Move Forward Week. See related materials below.
Lots of people have joined in.
Even the US Census folks. And the Earth Hour folks. They want to move forward too.
Show your support for climate change by turning off your lights on Saturday, March 27 from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m local time.
Go to the Earth Hour site to get more information, sign up, plan an event, etc.
Meanwhile – just in case you are suffering from the 7 day gap between our posted Movie of the Week, here’s a bonus! It’s from the Earth Hour Read more
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