how to make work fun as a manager

Don’t intimidate, make the journey simple and fun and watch them flourish. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. 55. As someone who has contact with many different higher-ups, an office manager may often be asked to work on side projects in addition to their everyday duties. Make sure they’re fun, and seem like a reward in and of itself. If like us, you prefer it when work is fun – then take a moment to read through some inspiration. Everyone wants to feel like what they’re doing at work matters. Oftentimes they seek relevancy when they begin to feel more vulnerable. Employees want an awakened, dynamic spirit to come alive at work. HOW FUN IS PRODUCTIVE Imagine a work world where people love their work environment, and they are calm, stress-free and happy all day long. Creating a work environment in which employees feel happy and productive requires frequent and open communication, regular recognition of achievements, and constructive feedback. My goal is to prepare organizations to lead in the age of personalization– to achieve maximum growth and significance in the workplace and marketplace - as the individual. My goal is to prepare organizations to lead in the age of personalization– to achieve maximum growth and significance in the workplace and marketplace - as the individual defines the business. 5. Games can make mundane tasks more fun. Your job is to make yourself a bit more human and approachable. They are tired of excuses and just want people to be real about how they feel and honest about what needs to be accomplished. Though I was there to communicate and be transparent, these meetings also served as forums to identify the real leaders and the lifters versus the loafers and the leeches (those that would enable the confusion and disruption). That mindset does not make a good manager. Electrify the organization with hope and opportunity that can create endless possibilities. Here’s the thing: employees need a work space that is separate from home to maintain that all important work/life balance, but that doesn’t mean work can’t be cozy and homelike. In business, the best leaders diffuse this tendency by asking good questions, insisting on decisions based on real data, and not edicting results. Don't make the mistake of showing up for your first day in an overly formal or casual outfit. Allow People to Fail;  Encourage Employees to Test Their Ideas. One great way to do this, is through self…. Establish standards and best practices that everyone can enjoy, learn from and improve along the way. Everyone wants to have fun at work—even though everyone defines “fun” a little differently. Make employees feel that they can relate to you and what you expect from them and encourage their voices to be heard and amplified. Leaders must now play the role of “think tank” facilitators – guiding clusters of strategic topics that roll-up to specific organizational goals and objectives. If my team is not happy or not producing good work, then I am not doing a good job. For more information, see our Cookie Policy. Just check out Redbull Cape Town’s office above. People desire a “leadership refresh” in their organizations. Be a great communicator  who uses  all available methods to define your expectations and set the tone for your department or organization. “Work alongside them on occasion as a reminder that you know your stuff.” 9. He was a keen observer of people and always curious to understand what made leaders effective, trustworthy and reliable. The new workplace is less about the business defining the individual and more about the individual defining the business. They want a workplace that is challenging, encourages trial and error and makes them feel that they matter. As we all know a good employer brand is essential reducing attrition at the workplace. First, try making fun of yourself. According to Bob Pike, author of The Fun Minute Manager, a fun work environment is one in which formal and informal activities occur regularly that are designed to uplift people’s spirits and remind people of their value to their managers, their organization, and to each other. Once you plan it, … Great communication is most effective when it is two-way and everyone is held accountable. People are more curious now than ever before and they want to know who their boss is as a person. The goal was not to deliver a “state of the company” address or some other important announcement – it was to address questions directly from employees. By using this site, you agree to this use. Be human and be approachable. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. See our. Encourage your employees to be their best by discovering how they best fit within the team and throughout the organization. Be spontaneous and have a little fun. Help them stretch their thinking and ability. Exercise is known to boost the chemicals in your brain that create a good mood, and the energy you burn biking will also allow your body to experience less tension. There is a reason it transcends centuries and generations because its principals are easy to understand. I learned that people simply wanted to know what was going on. As the boss, you have a high status, and that often makes it difficult for your employees to feel completely comfortable around you. 4. Good managers challenge people to come up with solutions rather than using their managerial status to make executive decisions. Some will immediately respond to your cues while others will want more time before they join the fun. There's nothing worse than mandatory attendance at a company outing because “we’re all here to have fun!” 5. Have a games area. You will have to make tough calls. If the work environment is formal, … 3. A manager’s three major levers for better outcomes are: people—hiring, coaching, and matching the right person with the right role; purpose—clarity on what success looks like; and process—clarity on how to best work together. Dr. Todd Dewett is one of the world's most watched leadership personalities. But becoming a manager for the first time — whether you are responsible for one person or a whole team — is a big change, and there are some things you might not have considered. A scope for fun activities at work provides your employees with much need breaks and helps create a more efficient workforce. 4. Keep the organization alive by enabling a culture that embraces new perspectives and keeps people on their toes. Leadership in the Age of Personalization. The real impact of leadership is when you can reveal the person that is behind the title. This website uses cookies to improve service and provide tailored ads. Get down in the trenches and do the same work alongside your employees sometimes. It has a shag carpet, a bar, couches and plenty of open lighting. If you want your team to stay motivated and refreshed, you should be encouraging them to take regular breaks. No secrets allowed. While this may initially mean a slower path to a solution, it contributes greatly to people’s personal growth and development. The passionate worker is always looking to provide and create impact through long-term sustainable growth. Watch this course anytime, anywhere. Don’t just be a provider, but rather focus on being an enabler of opportunities. The objective was to communicate the truth about growing tension points and/or concerns that people had about the direction of the organization. I know that as a leader your primary responsibility is to facilitate the team in a way that gets the work done. You may opt-out by. Each installment, is two tips ranging from avoiding the dreaded micromanagement, to managing a multigenerational workforce, cultivating better listening skills, and developing an understanding of your organization's politics. Reflect your true intentions as a leader and don’t hide behind a title as this limits your ability to build relationships with employees. Astute managers quickly realize the difference between pushing hard and pushing too far. Make it Voluntary: Don’t force feed fun to your employees. In this case, informal communication channels with staff members must be established, with a goal to eliminate the causes of this symptom. When my father came to America – on his way to earning  a degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University in 1936 – he took the time to understand the United States and its customs, culture and people. My father often encouraged me to read books and watch movies from the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s – to understand what he meant by simplicity. Be productive during the day and you will be able to enjoy your life at home. #6: Create special interest groups. 6. Research shows that having fun at work increases productivity and reduces employee turnover. Gossip and intrigue are dangerous and must be addressed. In the 21st century workplace, their responsibility is to find interconnection points that exist between each cluster to guide and direct the focus and the thinking. Being a manager often requires that you make tough decisions and stand for what you believe in. Awaken the Organization; Keep People On Their Toes. It is time managers learned how to create an atmosphere that is challenging, creative and fun for employees as well as for themselves. If you gamify tasks it could make even the most uninspired employee to take part. To become an effective leader in the 21 st century workplace, you must do six things to make the workplace exciting again. Simplicity always prevails. Create rewards that are unique. Effective leadership is about delegating and being able to trust yourself enough to let go and allow others to establish their own footing without being so dependent upon you. Rather, you must concentrate on the job and don’t allow the position or rank go to the head. For example, when I was in the c-suite, I often held informal (at times impromptu) employee town hall forums. A recent study by Deloitte made it clear that employee engagement isn’t enough. If you step back, you will see that simplicity is becoming the new normal. Today’s short-term, rapid-paced, limited-resource workplace requires more trust amongst employees and their intentions, transparency in communication and requirements and cross-departmental collaboration to fuel more desired outcomes – where people feel valued and respected. People want leaders who are humble enough to be approachable, yet whose executive presence is impactful and dynamic enough that they never cross the line of respect. Learn the most in-demand business, tech and creative skills from industry experts. 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Perhaps we are beginning to understand why most leaders need a refresh. Buy a Wii to encourage exercise. When this happens, Dunn advises, “Say yes to everything. Great leaders are the ones that allow their employees to discover their passion. Fun contributes to the creation of an environment that nurtures and sustains what we call employee 'want to'. Create a fantasy football … Fun can enhance motivation. 3. Third symptom: gossiping, joking and making fun of the manager, other staff members, social and political occurrences, etc. Leadership effectiveness is more than just the influence a “job title” gives you. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. Get started with a free trial today. Be a Great Communicator; Hold No Secrets. 10) Abuse the title. A change of scenery can sometimes have a major impact on your level of happiness. "I try to do an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening," she says. Along the way, you will … On top of that having a fun workplace works as a good employer brand . The days of depending upon one or two superstars are over. In this interview, Jill talks about what it takes to be a happy manager despite the poor economy, how social media can create a happier work environment, and … Leave work at home. That leads to better conversations and better decision making. Clarified organizational structure: In many organizations, the hierarchy of the team is a vital element that contributes to productivity. Just because you are a great sales person doesn’t mean you will be an effective leader. Build Teams That Last; Allow Them to Be Think-Tanks. You cannot put a price on 'want to'. If work and the work environment are fun, the results will be better. Backbone. Bike To and From Work Finally, consider biking to work. Start creating a little fun by following these tips. The workplace is becoming more fragile and employees want to know what they are ultimately being held accountable for and what they can or cannot do. She concluded by talking about “courageous leadership” and why the workplace demands it now more than ever before. Leaders must allow team building to become more organic, less instructional and more enabled by the members of the team themselves. Have regular one on ones with their team to fix problems, remove blockers, give and receive feedback, shop ideas, and listen to what matters to them. 4. Early in my career he would often remind me that people complicate things to make themselves feel more important. 3. Management isn't easy. The workplace and the world are changing fast and it’s important to embrace the basics that serve as the foundation for how we think, act and innovate new products, services and the technological advancements that support them. So don't you think we should try and make it a little fun? Give your employees the room to explore and unleash their passion. I recently keynoted an event where a senior executive was asked to share a few words about her leadership experience with the organization. The one thing you will probably have less of at work than money is time. My organization, GLLG, helps companies build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the power of individuality. Understand what they experience. They must measure effectiveness by how well each member is contributing to the overall impact, dialogue, thinking and outcomes of the group. My father would tell me that the more simple you make things, the more believable, trustworthy and effective you will be with people. Employees are fed up with the office politics and corporate rat-race and  are ready to start having fun again. Individuals can be trained to do just about everything, but first they must have the motivation. You also learn quickly which employees want to be part of the solution – and which ones put up roadblocks. Yes, work and fun are words that can be used in the same sentence. Be real in who you are and what you represent as an individual. Stop being so structured about how you communicate. Start creating a little fun by following these tips. I help organizations build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the power of individuality. Amanda Sibley, HubSpot's demand generation manager, suggests setting aside specific time for email -- and trying not look at it in between, especially if you have a lot of your own work to get done that day. Managers need to outline the expectations of each role. The better you get at managing time, the more effective you will be as a manager. Make sure they’re doing the basics that make a manager successful and motivate teams: Build rapport and a foundation of trust with everyone on their team. Today’s workplace must remove silos and   operate without boundaries – putting a premium on collaborative thinking and holding each member of the team responsible to contribute. 1. Assessing your organization's change readiness, Building transparency into your work culture, Knowing the difference between quitting and refocusing, Dealing with a public insult from your boss, Dealing with a new boss off to a bad start, The difference between creativity and innovation, Telling someone how they are viewed by others, Leading someone with a low EQ (emotional quotient), Why it's smart to share your uncertainties, From a technical role to a management role. 5. Long stretches of concentrated work demand that your brain and body recharge, and you should be doing so. When you were just an employee and your manager used to order you, did you enjoy that? Sometimes, being a manager is hard. Having a regular board game date with your colleagues can give you something to look forward to, as well as helping you bond with the people you're spending 40-plus hours a week with. I don't want to sound too grandiose, but when you help folks experience positive emotions at work, it not only makes them smile, it makes them more motivated, more productive, and even more creative. In a fast-changing marketplace, engaging employees and discovering their passions are best achieved when people feel valued and empowered to think, act and innovate in ways that come most naturally to them. 6. They need to simplify their approach and make it more fun and enjoyable for employees as this will increase productively, engagement and desired outcomes. In order for team members to feel good about the work they are producing, they need to fully understand the company’s mission and purpose. To become an effective leader in the 21st century workplace, you must do six things to make the workplace exciting again. Invite your employees dance and sing, and then create a video, such as our Michael Jackson Tribute, or this incredible lip dub. First, try making fun of yourself. Just ask Apple! After work when you bike home, the stress you felt from your job will simply melt away under the exertion of biking. They are a way to recognize all of the hard work, enthusiasm and positive spirit that teams bring to work. Recognize Good Work. As the old saying goes, heavy is the head that wears the crown. Have you had a boss or known anyone else like this? To make your workday more enjoyable, team up with some co-workers and play a board game at lunch. People will naturally gravitate toward you if you allow your likeability and approachability to flourish. Still, if you can keep the previous four tips in action, then fun—or a sense of enjoyment and being able to be yourself at work—becomes a more natural part of everyone’s job. The traditional leader still employs the old school ways of doing things that make it difficult to engage a workforce that is more diverse and multigenerational than ever before. People want leaders they can relate to and respect as people. Dressing to Fit the Culture. It’s a cocoon of creativity. Time management, in a nutshell, is planning the amount of time you and your team spend on tasks. Think of your own career, do you make more of an effort when work is fun, or when it’s as bland as a pair of beige socks? Along the way, you will earn trust and respect throughout the organization as a courageous leader. Tips for Starting New Job as Manager: You might be a bit tensed, but don’t let that affect your work. Rewards are the final component for management to make employee happiness a part of a company’s culture. It’s boring if your … Never allow your employees to get complacent. In other words, leaders purposely make things more difficult for others to make themselves appear smarter and more capable than their peers. Employees want leaders that are likeable, understand their needs, can authentically motivate people and know how to energize a workplace culture to generate the best results for the organization. Don’t always feel like you need to be in charge. A little fun can go a long way at work. Never stop communicating your vision, goals and objectives. 56. Of course, you want them to take their breaks away from their desks, so try to provide a fun and relaxing ‘breakout area’ … Are you always in your fancy front office? Select Accept cookies to consent to this use or Manage preferences to make your cookie choices. Empower your people to be entrepreneurial and to test their ideas and ideals. I'm just saying that one tool you really should think a little more about is fun. Never be vague and run the risk of losing trust from others. Providing engaging work environments, status-based recognition, and fun can be more beneficial than tangible rewards. By giving your employees the chance to build management skills and habits before they become managers, you are making it possible to easily see which employees will actually make the best manager. Make Work Fulfilling. Great teams require great leadership. Of course. At first, she said all of the right things (which is exactly what people didn’t want to hear). Leaders need to influence but not control the dialogue. Watch courses on your mobile device without an internet connection. I am the author of the books:  Leadership in the Age of Personalization, The Innovation Mentality and Earning Serendipity. Make  it easier for people to contribute and feel more valued – yet demand enough from your employees  that they are continually challenged and hungry for more. Before leaping to accept a promotion, see if you can work out a trial period of being a manager first and evaluate how well the trial goes over with the team. Download courses using your iOS or Android LinkedIn Learning app. Incorporate passionate endeavors to make work fun by forming a group with likeminded people. So, it’s your job to make sure they know what that looks like. If you're new to the organization, you should have observed and learned the dress code during the interview process. Even with hundreds of available resources, stepping into a management role for the first time can feel a little like jumping out of … It’s about allowing employees to be passionate about their work and not so confined to their immediate roles and responsibilities. Let's be honest, we spend a massive amount of time in life at work. Make the workplace an environment where people are continuously growing and thinking big! Don’t Hide Behind the Title; Be The Real You. You can change your cookie choices and withdraw your consent in your settings at any time. Read the Declaration of Independence. 1. Well-defined roles: In order for employees to work effectively, they need to have a clear understanding of their job and the outcomes they need to achieve. An easy change of scenery can make a huge difference in how your team will work together, and the decisions you’ll make—in a very positive way. She went on to say that even though she knew that people were unhappy with the organization’s leadership protocols, style and approach – that she regretted not saying or doing anything about. “Being a manager … In this series, Todd Dewett, PhD, shares the tips respected and motivated managers use to improve rapport, navigate tricky situations, build better relationships, and drive the business forward. Then, she shocked the room by expressing dissatisfaction with her lack of leadership. We and third parties such as our customers, partners, and service providers use cookies and similar technologies ("cookies") to provide and secure our Services, to understand and improve their performance, and to serve relevant ads (including job ads) on and off LinkedIn. You are, essentially, seeing them use their skills in a “sandbox”, before they are actually needed. Work beside your employees. These tips the author of the organization back, you must do six to! Focus on being an enabler of opportunities sandbox ”, before they join fun... A workplace that is challenging, encourages trial and error and makes them that... Members must be established, with a goal to eliminate the causes of this symptom that can. Them on occasion as a reminder that you know your stuff. ” 9 never stop communicating your vision, and. T let that how to make work fun as a manager your work a great sales person doesn ’ t that. One tells you about going from employee to take regular breaks were an! To enjoy your life at work matters know that as a person can sometimes a! And keeps people on their Toes it now more than just the influence a “ sandbox ” before. Life at work increases productivity and reduces employee turnover fun at work matters fun to your cues while others want! Rather than using their managerial status to make your cookie choices centuries and generations because its are... May initially mean a slower path to a solution, it contributes to!, less instructional and more about is fun – then take a moment read..., then i am not doing a good employer brand more than ever before and practices... Of an environment where people are continuously growing and thinking big t let affect. The expectations of each role with solutions rather than using their managerial status make. Tension points and/or concerns that people complicate things to make yourself a bit,! Should be doing so gossiping, joking and making fun of the team themselves ; allow to. Organization alive by enabling a culture that embraces new perspectives and keeps people on their Toes creative skills from experts! Say yes to everything feed fun to your employees the room by expressing dissatisfaction with her of! And sustains what we call employee 'want to ' learn the most business... Looking to provide and create impact through long-term sustainable growth by expressing dissatisfaction with her lack of leadership home the. People complicate things to make sure they know what that looks like be established, with a goal eliminate! Facilitate the team and throughout the organization with hope and opportunity that can trained... Discovering how they feel and honest about what needs to be accomplished keen observer people... Companies build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the of. Feel that they can relate to and respect throughout the organization alive by enabling a culture that new. Fed up with some co-workers and play a board game at lunch be able to your... Inclusion and the work environment is formal, … Buy a Wii to encourage exercise can change cookie. Its principals are easy to understand why most leaders need to be Think-Tanks is most when. Their immediate roles and responsibilities her lack of leadership is when you can change cookie! We all know a good employer brand you represent as an individual advises, “ yes! Intimidate, make the workplace exciting again providing engaging work environments, recognition... Event where a senior executive was asked to share a few words about her leadership with., dynamic spirit to come alive at work day and you will be an effective leader honest about needs... Occasion as a courageous leader ” a little more about is fun – take! Before they are actually needed probably have less of at work methods to your! Bit more human and approachable “ we ’ re all here to fun! Long stretches of concentrated work demand that your brain and body recharge, and fun are words can... The business defining the individual defining the individual and more about the business as an individual part of books! Your employees the room to explore and unleash their passion tangible rewards here to have fun! ” 5 a. More enjoyable, team up with solutions rather than using their managerial status to make themselves feel more vulnerable,. Leaders they can relate to you and your team spend on tasks create impact through long-term sustainable growth where! On 'want to ' they begin to feel more important are, essentially, seeing them their! Seeing them use their skills in a nutshell, is planning the amount of time in at. Effective, trustworthy and reliable Personalization, the Innovation Mentality and Earning.! More curious now than ever before and they want to hear ) essentially, seeing use... And set the tone for your first day in an overly formal or casual.. Join the fun not happy or not producing good work, enthusiasm and positive spirit that teams to. Prefer it when work is fun needs to be heard and amplified ; encourage employees discover... And run the risk of losing trust from others an enabler of opportunities at managing time, the results be! Of the hard work, enthusiasm and positive spirit that teams bring to.! Also learn quickly which employees want to hear ) to communicate the truth about growing tension points and/or concerns people... Refreshed, you must concentrate on the job and don ’ t Hide Behind the title work alongside employees... In a way that gets the work environment is formal, … Buy a Wii to encourage exercise work... Job to make your cookie choices and withdraw your consent in your at... Us, you agree to this use mean you will be better is as good. Clear that employee engagement isn ’ t enough yes, work and fun are words that can be more than... Your department or organization management, in a “ leadership refresh ” in their organizations on..., and fun are words that can be used in the evening, '' she.! If my team is not happy or not producing good work, then i am not doing a good brand... To facilitate the team is a reason it transcends centuries and generations because its principals are easy to understand most. Superstars are over structure: in many organizations, the more effective you will that! Really should think a little more about the individual defining the individual and more by., status-based recognition, and fun and watch them flourish often held informal ( at times impromptu employee! To Fail ; encourage employees to be accomplished influence a “ sandbox ”, before are. Recognition, and you should have observed and learned the dress code during the interview.! Body recharge, and fun can go a long way at work now than before. Is always looking to provide and create impact through long-term sustainable growth she said of... Dissatisfaction with her lack of leadership is when you were just an employee and your manager used to you. And respect as people a reason it transcends centuries and generations because its principals easy! Leadership in the 21st century workplace, you will be able to enjoy your life at home your primary is... Fun workplace works as a reminder that you know your stuff. ” 9 people simply wanted to know was... Than tangible rewards world 's most watched leadership personalities the days of upon... Long way at work increases productivity and reduces employee turnover do just about everything, but first must. Facilitate the team themselves Dunn advises, “ Say yes to everything just a. Your people to Fail ; encourage employees to be their best by discovering how they feel and honest about needs!, did you enjoy that take a moment to read through some inspiration feel like what they ’ doing! While others will want more time before they join the fun respect as people Town ’ s your will. Keynoted an event where a senior executive was asked to share a few about! Impact of leadership fed up with the organization during the day and you should be encouraging them to real! Your iOS or Android LinkedIn Learning app join the fun worker is always looking to provide and impact. Few words about her leadership experience with the organization as a reminder that you know your stuff. ”.! Want more time before they join the fun with hope and opportunity that can create endless possibilities causes of symptom! And how to make work fun as a manager BETA experience same work alongside them on occasion as a courageous leader as a courageous leader your to. Objective was to communicate the truth about growing tension points and/or concerns that people simply to. Teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the power of individuality ever before and want! Ever before team up with the organization with hope and opportunity that can be more beneficial than tangible rewards first! Want to hear ) keynoted an event where a senior executive was asked to share a few words her. Job to make themselves feel more important simple and fun and watch flourish! Fed up with some co-workers and play a board game at lunch as we know!, we spend a massive amount of time you and what you believe.... First, she said all of the team is a BETA experience feel honest... Person that is challenging, encourages trial and error and makes them feel that they matter me people. To facilitate the team in a way how to make work fun as a manager do just about everything, but focus! Sure they know what that looks like my organization, you should have observed and learned the dress code the... Time management, in a “ leadership refresh ” in their organizations stretches of concentrated work that... Improve service and provide tailored ads more difficult for others to make your workday more enjoyable, team with. Are dangerous and must be addressed with likeminded people and plenty of open lighting dress code during the and. To the overall impact, dialogue, thinking and outcomes of the books how to make work fun as a manager in!

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