Remember the KC and the Sunshine Band? Ok maybe you don't? Or was it Kool and the Gang? Either way, remember the song ‘Celebrate... good times, come on...'? Simple words. Great intentions. And great intentions that smart managers apply to their high performing teams.
‘There's a party going on right here
a celebration
to last throughout the year
so bring your good times
and your laughter too
we're going to celebrate
a party
with you...' |
Just this week I was with the top sales team of a multi national company. Is it a coincidence that this top team have regular parties, regular celebrations, regular get togethers?
Every two weeks on a Friday night after work they either have a beer and pizza night or beer and fish and chips or beer and something....
Does it always involve beer I hear you ask? Well, I think it probably does. Beer or wine or some drink of a sort.
Does it mean a lot of beer? Probably not. In most cases it might only be for half an hour or so. But it's the getting together and sharing the week in an informal atmosphere that counts. It's the sharing of what went well or what didn't. It's having a laugh about stuff ups and insanities that they've all had to face. It's celebrating good sales, or good deliveries, or great support that has happened during the week.
It's not about formal ceremonies or speeches or lecterns or powerpoint presentations.
It's just about people getting together and having a laugh.
In some (stuffy, bureaucratic, uptight) organisations, when you mention the idea of celebration, the air is sucked out of the room...
I even heard the story of when a sausages and beer afternoon was organised, all set to go ahead, and a senior manager over ruled it and said it wasn't worth spending the $200 on the staff.
Can you imagine how much damage that did to staff morale?
He certainly saved his $200 but it cost him far more in overtime, lost productivity, sick days and lower sales.
Celebration pays big dividends
Managers with a feel for people understand the power and value of celebrations.
You always seem to see Richard Branson with a champagne in his hand. He's either launching a new product or service or celebrating a milestone for one thing or another.
I recall a photo of him riding an army tank across Sydney harbor bridge to launch something. Then there was the champagne and the party for Virgin Blues first year (and fantastic profit).
He is surrounded by smiling, happy people, also celebrating. And the people he is surrounded with are not only managers in suits and ties. He is surrounded by baggage handlers, flight attendants, check in staff and managers.
What does this tell you about the culture?
It says its OK to have fun around here. It says we share in the celebrations. It says it's a team game around here. It says we care about our people.
Here are some simple, easy, practical tips for you to organise productive celebrations.
- It doesn't have to be a big deal - keep it simple
A get together doesn't have to be a big deal. You don't have to have a sit down dinner. The food doesn't need to be 5 star. Sandwiches, sausages, hot dogs, peanuts and chips, nibbles, finger food, pizzas, fish and chips... It doesn't really matter. As long as you get together.
- Invite everyone
Sure you can have selective gatherings, but my recommendation would be to invite everyone. The less exclusive you are and the more inclusive, the better it is for teamwork and performance.
- Have some food and grog
People love to have some food and a drink. We have seen this many times. Offer some food and a beer or wine. For some mystical reason, its like a magnet. It doesn't need to be fancy. Just something. It's amazing how it works to not only get people to the gathering, but makes the gathering a more fun, informal, ‘connecting' event.
- Have some food and no grog
In some cases, if its during work hours, you may not offer grog. Offer tea and coffee or juices instead. Bring in a special coffee maker as a novelty. Have the managers serve the cappacino's and cakes. The possibilities are endless. Just do it.
- Link it to an event
Link the celebration to events like ‘end of month figures completed' or end of month results announced or end of month or beginning of month or end of stocktake or beginning of stocktake... Linking it to an event helps to mark out the year and the progress the team is making.
- Don't link it to an event
You don't have to link it to an event. It might just be ‘we haven't got together for a while so lets get together again' Maybe its just, ‘the end of the week' or ‘the beginning of the week.' Maybe have a ‘party for no reason' party'.
- Have some awards or presentations
You may want to give out some awards or make presentations to individuals or teams. One of my clients has the monthly WOW Awards (What Outstanding Work) where customers and fellow work mates nominate people for the award. Others have MAD Awards (Make a Difference Awards)
- Don't have awards and presentations
You may decide not to have awards or any speeches but just get together and chat.
- Make it regular
Don't save it up for a once a year get together (a la the great Christmas Bar Bee Que or Company Picnic) Have gatherings throughout the year. To keep the sense of community, camaraderie and closeness at least once a month if not weekly would be my recommendation.
- Make it random
You may call for a gathering at random rather than have predictability just to keep the element of surprise there.
Just decide to have a party because you feel like it..
- Have some fun - a laugh
Let the company clowns and characters get involved and have creative input into how to make the gatherings fun. Some people hire clowns, others wear silly shirts, others let the company musicians play their guitars and sing. Fun is OK. If you've got some courage as a manager, you may want to wear a crazy costume.
At a recent Corporate Kareoke night I ran as part of a new company launch, the two directors dressed up in Elvis Presley costumes and sang ‘Hunka Hunka Burning Love..'
It was hilarious.... But more to the point, it demonstrated to staff that they were prepared to be vulnerable, be silly, have fun, be laughed at and let their hair down as well. It didn't impede their ability as managers, if anything, it enhanced it.
- Mingle
If you're a manager in particular, make sure you mingle and talk to as many people as possible. Hear what they are saying. Make mental notes of ideas and initiatives people give you. Often people are far more open and likely to share their ideas at these kinds of functions than in a formal meeting. Then make sure you follow up with them later on and tell them what you have done with their idea.
I heard a story recently where one manager was told at a party how their company was being screwed by a supplier and paying top dollar on accommodation compared to the competition.
The manager set a time to see the supplier, made the point they were their biggest customer and were not happy about the price they were paying. The supplier immediately asked ‘what do you want to pay?' the manager answered ‘one dollar less than our competition is paying..' the supplier without blinking an eye said ‘done'.
The manager found out later it meant a saving of $11 per room per night for over 30,000 nights a year.
So from one idea at a party, the company saved over $330,000 - straight to the bottom line.
- Rotate responsibility
Have different teams or departments rotate responsibility for the organising of the gathering. Not only does this get everyone more involved, it creates diversity and variety in themes, energy and a touch of friendly competition to out do each other in how much fun can be had....
So let's move into action
Nothing happens until the idea moves into action.
What one new idea will you put into action this week?
- Break down hierarchy and status?
- Improve communication and teamwork?
- Take outsiders ideas into your company?
- Challenge an old or insane system or practice?
- Have a celebration or party?
- Share ideas from across departments - a cross-functional innovation expo?
- Share an article or report with your colleagues to stimulate discussion at your next team meeting?
Innovation is fun. Innovation is how the world moves forward.