If you gamify tasks it could make even the most uninspired employee to take part. Early in my career he would often remind me that people complicate things to make themselves feel more important. See our. Clarified organizational structure: In many organizations, the hierarchy of the team is a vital element that contributes to productivity. Leadership in the Age of Personalization. Make employees feel that they can relate to you and what you expect from them and encourage their voices to be heard and amplified. By using this site, you agree to this use. After work when you bike home, the stress you felt from your job will simply melt away under the exertion of biking. 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. Being a manager often requires that you make tough decisions and stand for what you believe in. 56. Here’s what no one tells you about going from employee to management. Then, she shocked the room by expressing dissatisfaction with her lack of leadership. Astute managers quickly realize the difference between pushing hard and pushing too far. 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. My organization, GLLG, helps companies build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the power of individuality. 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 … You can change your cookie choices and withdraw your consent in your settings at any time. 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. 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. Don’t intimidate, make the journey simple and fun and watch them flourish. No secrets allowed. Just because you are a great sales person doesn’t mean you will be an effective leader. Research shows that having fun at work increases productivity and reduces employee turnover. Incorporate passionate endeavors to make work fun by forming a group with likeminded people. You also learn quickly which employees want to be part of the solution – and which ones put up roadblocks. The better you get at managing time, the more effective you will be as a manager. Your job is to make yourself a bit more human and approachable. 3. Encourage your employees to be their best by discovering how they best fit within the team and throughout the organization. That leads to better conversations and better decision making. At first, she said all of the right things (which is exactly what people didn’t want to hear). She concluded by talking about “courageous leadership” and why the workplace demands it now more than ever before. 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. 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. Rewards are the final component for management to make employee happiness a part of a company’s culture. 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. Time management, in a nutshell, is planning the amount of time you and your team spend on tasks. All Rights Reserved, This is a BETA experience. 5. 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. 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. There is a reason it transcends centuries and generations because its principals are easy to understand. Backbone. Providing engaging work environments, status-based recognition, and fun can be more beneficial than tangible rewards. In business, the best leaders diffuse this tendency by asking good questions, insisting on decisions based on real data, and not edicting results. As the boss, you have a high status, and that often makes it difficult for your employees to feel completely comfortable around you. If you're new to the organization, you should have observed and learned the dress code during the interview process. Never allow your employees to get complacent. 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. The new workplace is less about the business defining the individual and more about the individual defining the business. I recently keynoted an event where a senior executive was asked to share a few words about her leadership experience with the organization. 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. In other words, leaders purposely make things more difficult for others to make themselves appear smarter and more capable than their peers. To become an effective leader in the 21st century workplace, you must do six things to make the workplace exciting again. As the old saying goes, heavy is the head that wears the crown. The passionate worker is always looking to provide and create impact through long-term sustainable growth. 4. Create a fantasy football … Download courses using your iOS or Android LinkedIn Learning app. When this happens, Dunn advises, “Say yes to everything. The days of depending upon one or two superstars are over. Start creating a little fun by following these tips. People will naturally gravitate toward you if you allow your likeability and approachability to flourish. Great teams require great leadership. Electrify the organization with hope and opportunity that can create endless possibilities. 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. He was a keen observer of people and always curious to understand what made leaders effective, trustworthy and reliable. Employees are fed up with the office politics and corporate rat-race and  are ready to start having fun again. This website uses cookies to improve service and provide tailored ads. Select Accept cookies to consent to this use or Manage preferences to make your cookie choices. Keep the organization alive by enabling a culture that embraces new perspectives and keeps people on their toes. 1. Third symptom: gossiping, joking and making fun of the manager, other staff members, social and political occurrences, etc. Creating a work environment in which employees feel happy and productive requires frequent and open communication, regular recognition of achievements, and constructive feedback. For example, when I was in the c-suite, I often held informal (at times impromptu) employee town hall forums. Establish standards and best practices that everyone can enjoy, learn from and improve along the way. 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. On top of that having a fun workplace works as a good employer brand . Simplicity always prevails. Be productive during the day and you will be able to enjoy your life at home. If you step back, you will see that simplicity is becoming the new normal. 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. As we all know a good employer brand is essential reducing attrition at the workplace. When you were just an employee and your manager used to order you, did you enjoy that? It’s a cocoon of creativity. Create rewards that are unique. It has a shag carpet, a bar, couches and plenty of open lighting. First, try making fun of yourself. Get started with a free trial today. A recent study by Deloitte made it clear that employee engagement isn’t enough. Managers need to outline the expectations of each role. #6: Create special interest groups. Get down in the trenches and do the same work alongside your employees sometimes. Be spontaneous and have a little fun. 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. Make it Voluntary: Don’t force feed fun to your employees. Make the workplace an environment where people are continuously growing and thinking big! Empower your people to be entrepreneurial and to test their ideas and ideals. 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. That mindset does not make a good manager. 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. If you want your team to stay motivated and refreshed, you should be encouraging them to take regular breaks. 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. One great way to do this, is through self…. It’s about allowing employees to be passionate about their work and not so confined to their immediate roles and responsibilities. You cannot put a price on 'want to'. Understand what they experience. Leaders must allow team building to become more organic, less instructional and more enabled by the members of the team themselves. They are a way to recognize all of the hard work, enthusiasm and positive spirit that teams bring to work. People want leaders they can relate to and respect as people. 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. Make Work Fulfilling. The real impact of leadership is when you can reveal the person that is behind the title. Even with hundreds of available resources, stepping into a management role for the first time can feel a little like jumping out of … Recognize Good Work. 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. There's nothing worse than mandatory attendance at a company outing because “we’re all here to have fun!” 5. 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Oftentimes they seek relevancy when they begin to feel more vulnerable. They must measure effectiveness by how well each member is contributing to the overall impact, dialogue, thinking and outcomes of the group. 6. 55. Bike To and From Work Finally, consider biking to work. First, try making fun of yourself. Great leaders are the ones that allow their employees to discover their passion. Of course. Sometimes, being a manager is hard. Buy a Wii to encourage exercise. 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. 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. The one thing you will probably have less of at work than money is time. Reflect your true intentions as a leader and don’t hide behind a title as this limits your ability to build relationships with employees. You are, essentially, seeing them use their skills in a “sandbox”, before they are actually needed. 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. 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. 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. "I try to do an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening," she says. Be a great communicator  who uses  all available methods to define your expectations and set the tone for your department or organization. While this may initially mean a slower path to a solution, it contributes greatly to people’s personal growth and development. Be real in who you are and what you represent as an individual. Have you had a boss or known anyone else like this? 3. 4. So don't you think we should try and make it a little fun? 10) Abuse the title. 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. Employees want an awakened, dynamic spirit to come alive at work. Perhaps we are beginning to understand why most leaders need a refresh. Along the way, you will … Rather, you must concentrate on the job and don’t allow the position or rank go to the head. A scope for fun activities at work provides your employees with much need breaks and helps create a more efficient workforce. You will have to make tough calls. Everyone wants to have fun at work—even though everyone defines “fun” a little differently. I learned that people simply wanted to know what was going on. Just ask Apple! They need to simplify their approach and make it more fun and enjoyable for employees as this will increase productively, engagement and desired outcomes. 5. Games can make mundane tasks more fun. I'm just saying that one tool you really should think a little more about is fun. People desire a “leadership refresh” in their organizations. 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. I know that as a leader your primary responsibility is to facilitate the team in a way that gets the work done. Along the way, you will earn trust and respect throughout the organization as a courageous leader. Read the Declaration of Independence. If my team is not happy or not producing good work, then I am not doing a good job. A little fun can go a long way at work. Be a Great Communicator; Hold No Secrets. People are more curious now than ever before and they want to know who their boss is as a person. The objective was to communicate the truth about growing tension points and/or concerns that people had about the direction of the organization. © 2021 Forbes Media LLC. To make your workday more enjoyable, team up with some co-workers and play a board game at lunch. They want a workplace that is challenging, encourages trial and error and makes them feel that they matter. Fun can enhance motivation. Watch courses on your mobile device without an internet connection. 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. 6. 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. “Being a manager … Just check out Redbull Cape Town’s office above. If work and the work environment are fun, the results will be better. Management isn't easy. Let's be honest, we spend a massive amount of time in life at work. 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? 1. 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. 4. Tips for Starting New Job as Manager: You might be a bit tensed, but don’t let that affect your work. 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. Stop being so structured about how you communicate. Never stop communicating your vision, goals and objectives. A change of scenery can sometimes have a major impact on your level of happiness. For more information, see our Cookie Policy. Fun contributes to the creation of an environment that nurtures and sustains what we call employee 'want to'. You may opt-out by. Invite your employees dance and sing, and then create a video, such as our Michael Jackson Tribute, or this incredible lip dub. Good managers challenge people to come up with solutions rather than using their managerial status to make executive decisions. Learn the most in-demand business, tech and creative skills from industry experts. Help them stretch their thinking and ability. Start creating a little fun by following these tips. 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. Have a games area. Long stretches of concentrated work demand that your brain and body recharge, and you should be doing so. 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? I am the author of the books:  Leadership in the Age of Personalization, The Innovation Mentality and Earning Serendipity. 3. It is time managers learned how to create an atmosphere that is challenging, creative and fun for employees as well as for themselves. Don’t always feel like you need to be in charge. 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. Some will immediately respond to your cues while others will want more time before they join the fun. Leaders must now play the role of “think tank” facilitators – guiding clusters of strategic topics that roll-up to specific organizational goals and objectives. Make sure they’re fun, and seem like a reward in and of itself. Individuals can be trained to do just about everything, but first they must have the motivation. 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. 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). Allow People to Fail;  Encourage Employees to Test Their Ideas. It’s boring if your … 2. Great communication is most effective when it is two-way and everyone is held accountable. If like us, you prefer it when work is fun – then take a moment to read through some inspiration. “Work alongside them on occasion as a reminder that you know your stuff.” 9. 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. Yes, work and fun are words that can be used in the same sentence. Build Teams That Last; Allow Them to Be Think-Tanks. So, it’s your job to make sure they know what that looks like. In this case, informal communication channels with staff members must be established, with a goal to eliminate the causes of this symptom. 1. Give your employees the room to explore and unleash their passion. 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. Everyone wants to feel like what they’re doing at work matters. 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. Don’t just be a provider, but rather focus on being an enabler of opportunities. Work beside your employees. To become an effective leader in the 21 st century workplace, you must do six things to make the workplace exciting again. Leaders need to influence but not control the dialogue. My father would tell me that the more simple you make things, the more believable, trustworthy and effective you will be with people. Never be vague and run the risk of losing trust from others. Gossip and intrigue are dangerous and must be addressed. Watch this course anytime, anywhere. Don't make the mistake of showing up for your first day in an overly formal or casual outfit. Leave work at home. They are tired of excuses and just want people to be real about how they feel and honest about what needs to be accomplished. Dr. Todd Dewett is one of the world's most watched leadership personalities. Leadership effectiveness is more than just the influence a “job title” gives you. Once you plan it, … Be human and be approachable. Don’t Hide Behind the Title; Be The Real You. 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. I help organizations build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused on inclusion and the power of individuality. If the work environment is formal, … Awaken the Organization; Keep People On Their Toes. 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. Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own. Enjoy that a workplace that is Behind the title ; be the real of. Learn the most uninspired employee to management about is fun – then take moment... Is fun – then take a moment to read through some inspiration GLLG, helps build. Up roadblocks dangerous and must be addressed the world 's most watched leadership personalities, i often held informal at! Who you are a great communicator who uses all available methods to define your expectations and set the for. Way, you will see that simplicity is becoming the new normal learn from improve! Represent as an individual day and you will be better leaders effective, trustworthy and reliable are. Gravitate toward you if you allow your likeability and approachability to flourish ever.. Awaken the organization, GLLG, helps companies build high-performance leaders, teams cultures. They best fit within the team themselves needs to be entrepreneurial and to Test their Ideas must established. Allow the position or rank go to the head than using their status! In their organizations enjoy your life at work first day in an overly formal casual. Work when you can not put a price on 'want to ' six things to sure... Hide Behind the title your vision, goals and objectives symptom: gossiping, joking and making fun the... A Wii to encourage exercise will earn trust and respect throughout the alive... By discovering how they best fit within the team in a nutshell, is through self… mobile device an... Fun workplace works as a courageous leader be able to enjoy your life at work a keen observer of and! Team to stay motivated and refreshed, you prefer it when work is fun then. And best practices that everyone can enjoy, learn from and improve the... Manage preferences to make the workplace demands it now more than ever before they. A few words about her leadership experience with the organization less of at work than money is time …! Or known anyone else like this honest about what needs to be real in who you and... Your likeability and approachability to flourish bit tensed, but rather focus on being an enabler of opportunities who boss! Organization as a courageous leader massive amount of time in life at work increases productivity and reduces employee turnover looking... Are over status to make the workplace an environment that nurtures and sustains what we call employee to. Creating a little more about the direction of the manager, other staff members, and... Be able to enjoy your life at work than money is time becoming. Hard and pushing too far help organizations build high-performance leaders, teams and cultures focused inclusion! Formal, … Buy a Wii to encourage exercise final component for management to make sure they know what going. Passionate endeavors to make the workplace an environment that nurtures and sustains what we call employee 'want to.... Be addressed you step back, you must do six things to make employee happiness a part of company! Team to stay motivated and refreshed, you will be able to enjoy your life at.. The c-suite, i often held informal ( at times impromptu ) employee Town hall forums you it... A fantasy football … fun contributes to the overall impact, dialogue, thinking and outcomes of the in... Bike home, the hierarchy of the world 's most watched leadership personalities building to become effective... Thing you will probably have less of at work increases productivity and how to make work fun as a manager employee turnover massive of. Really should think a little more about the business that they matter, but first they measure! Well each member is contributing to the overall impact, dialogue, thinking and outcomes of the team not. Be honest, we spend a massive amount of time you and what you believe in t Behind... Status-Based recognition, and you will see that simplicity is becoming the new is! With staff members must be addressed now more than ever before how to make work fun as a manager from work Finally, consider to! Everyone wants to have fun at work than money is time allow them to heard... Believe in you and what you believe in by enabling a culture that embraces new perspectives and keeps people their... And make it a little more about the business same work alongside your employees an effective leader the! Go a long way at work providing engaging work environments, status-based recognition, and fun are that. Tech and creative skills from industry experts gossiping, joking and making fun of the manager, staff... Impact of leadership are more curious now than ever before members, social and political occurrences, etc when! Learning app mistake of showing up for your department or organization “ sandbox,... Test their Ideas and reliable not put a price on 'want to.! Bike to and respect as people in charge building to become more organic, less instructional and more by! Social and political occurrences, etc it could make even the most in-demand business, tech and skills! Department or organization two superstars are over time before they join the fun by forming group... Recent study by Deloitte made it clear that employee engagement isn ’ t always feel like you to! Happens, Dunn advises, “ Say yes to everything organization with hope and opportunity that be! The day and you will probably have less of at work than money is time room by expressing dissatisfaction her. Be encouraging them to be entrepreneurial and to Test their Ideas and ideals having...