Ideas for Better Fun

Happy (first August) Thursday!  This month, we’re thinking differently about how to incorporate more fun into your experience as a tech leader.  Here’s what you need to know in tech in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week:  How bringing-in more intentional fun can impact your team’s effectiveness and impact.  Quick! What’s the first couple things that come to mind when I say the word“fun” if you’re part of a tech organization? For me, it’s that dreaded happy hour or 18 different pizzas lined-up ona table for a team lunch.  Don’t even get me started on axe throwing.  Ugh.  It’s time that tech leaders implement fun that tackles not only “vibe” (where it usually stops) but also helps the org be better and deliver more. Here are some different ideas for you: Continuing education competition – What’s the best out there and why, Volunteering to help others with tech (AI, Search, etc.), Job switch for a day, Take a peer to lunch (onus!), Organizational Hack-A-Thon, Everyone gets a coach! (shameless plug!), Outdoor/Walking1:1s for a month, Guest speaker series, No meeting Fridays, Competition around a specific team goal, etc.

Why this is important:  Thinking differently about fun can take your team to a whole new level. Going beyond the pizza party or “heavy apps”demonstrates to your team that you’re invested in them personally AND professionally.  In my experience, tech professionals would much rather learn or experience something new compared to forced-fun (i.e. axe throwing) any day of the week. By focusing on events that tackle both team effectiveness and impact, you’re differentiating yourself as a leader and setting a new (high) bar for the org. You’re setting both your team and you up for a much more meaningful way of doing business (hello, future promotion!).

Where you’ll see impact:  Of course, by bringing a new type of fun to the team, you’ll see your engagement scores skyrocket. But there’s more –you’ll see your folks actually want to participate in this new type of fun …they’ll step-up more and bring more to the event if they know they’re getting something valuable out of the experience (instead of free chardonnay).  Other teams (and leadership!) will also start to notice and create a strong reputation for your organization – one that prioritizes hard work, but also effectiveness and impact through more fun events. I bet you’ll also have a better time as a leader if you see some of these recommendations come to life!  

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  Since we’re just startingAugust, now is the perfect time to share some mindless recommendations for you to enjoy this month. Think stupid shows, funny podcasts, good movies, etc.  This week, I think you should check-outseason 2 of “Platonic” on AppleTV.  Witha couple new episodes out now, it’s the perfect way to relax after a stressfultech day.  Enjoy!

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Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!