Strategy is hard work. That doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Many people in business think fun turns work into fluff. I know the opposite is true. Fun brings a sense of teamwork and joy to projects. Fun builds relationships. Fun works!
This past week I spent two days in a marketing strategic plan. Our team brainstorms and coordinates future marketing initiatives for one of the most successful credit unions in the nation. During the strategy session we took the time to get to know each other better through Tom Rapp’s Strengthfinders 2.0. This is a wonderful tool to use that includes a terrific book and assessment survey. Both help you learn and build on your own strengths, moreover how to work more effectively with the strengths of others.
We also learned the art of filling buckets. After reading How Full Is Your Bucket, Tom Rath & Donald Clifton’s 2009 expanded anniversary edition, we took the time to fill the individual buckets of our team by giving deserved kudo’s to each person on our team. Note we did ensure they were deserved notes of appreciation. When we ended the session we filled actual buckets with dirt and spring bulbs to could celebrate how we have an impact on other’s work in a positive way.
During the session we focused on the big picture of work product and the detailed picture of everyday activities that make us all more productive. We threw in a paper airplane contest and a Music “Spud” Video for good measure.
Many people see my posts and say to me, “Wow, you have a fun job! Must be nice to play instead of work!” I admit to the fact that the laughter I share with teams is fun and infectious. But, getting to the point of being able to break down walls and think about the future through sharing of ideas in an stress-free environment is very hard work. The fun and games help make that happen.
Take some time and have fun of your own with a quick vote on one of our “fun” team building exercises. The goal was to shoot a video (they all turned them into music videos) from a storyboard in 15 minutes with the tools you have on site. (This included Mr. Potato Head) The Spud Vote has begun Watch Video Here: http://bit.ly/4DNLpA Then Vote Here: http://bit.ly/GPkJQ!
A special thanks to the marketing team at Lake Michigan Credit Union. You make work FUN!
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