Interview with Bob Pike, author of The Fun Minute Manager - Page 2

First, let’s get rid of either/or thinking. It is not fun or productivity – you don’t have to make a choice. It can be fun AND productivity. My colleagues John Newstrom, PhD and Robert Ford, PhD and I have identified some simple strategies that can (and have) been implemented in almost any work environment you can imagine. A fun work environment is one in which a variety of formal and informal activities regularly occur that are designed to uplift people’s spirits and positively and publicly remind people of their value to their managers, their organization, and to each other through the use of humor, playful games, joyful celebrations, opportunities for self development, or recognition of achievements and milestones.

Doesn’t that take time away from the job?

It’s less about taking up time – and more about some thoughtful planning. Here are just a few of the things people are doing right now (in order of frequency) to create a more positive, fun, work environment:

• Recognition of personal milestones (e.g., birthdays and hiring anniversaries).
• Fun social events (e.g., picnics, parties, and social gatherings).
• Public celebrations of professional achievements (e.g., award banquets).
• Opportunities for community volunteerism (e.g., civic and volunteer groups).
• Stress release activities (e.g., exercise facilities, and massages).
• Humor (e.g., cartoons, jokes in newsletters and e-mails).
• Games (e.g., darts, bingo, and company-sponsored athletic teams).
• Friendly competitions among employees (e.g., attendance and sales contests).
• Opportunities for personal development (e.g., quilting class and book club).
• Entertainment (e.g., bands, skits, and plays).

The book provides over 100 examples. Anyone can find things that will work in their organization. Many people say, “We do these things” but they don’t do them consistently – or in a way that makes employees feel valued. One example is an employee recognition dinner where people feel it’s simply a cattle call with too many people being recognized in too short a time period.

Why do you think the concept of “fun at work” has a place in these tough economic times?

Let me answer that by asking several questions: Do you believe that job stress is higher than it’s ever been? That people have greater fear about their jobs and financial security than ever before? And that stress and fear reduces productivity? That fatigue makes cowards of us all? The concepts in “The Fun Minute Manager” are an antidote for these conditions. This antidote could be taken almost anytime and anyplace. Organizations need it now more than any other time in the past two decades.

Article Author: Mayra Calvani

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children, teens and adults. She also offers online workshops on the art of reviewing and picture book writing at SavvyAuthors.com.

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