Play Hard, Win Harder

Episode 14 of the Faithful on the Clock podcast is all about having fun. Why let go of all the serious tradition? How can you make it affordable and natural for your team to get involved in shenanigans? Did God’s people ever celebrate when they worked? You’ll get answers to these questions, plus insights about how to use fun formally to keep investors beside you.

Timestamps:

[00:05] - Intro

[00:35] - Professionals used to be much more serious in their approach to business and had the attitude like any fun was somehow disrespectful or inefficient.

[01:10] - As leaders adopt a transparency mindset, they also are becoming more open to fun.

[01:46] - Leaders are adopting fun so people can form relationships, combat stress, and have something to look forward to as they work.

[03:18] - God’s people worked hard, but they celebrated and were joyful to balance their efforts.

[04:42] - There are a lot of options to have fun! Talk to your people to find out what they like.

[05:18] - Once you know what you are going to do for fun, it has to be communicated well and easy for people to do.

[06:01] - Your shenanigans should include everyone. Consider the circumstances different groups are in and be accommodating. 

[06:36] - Be clear about your boundaries and the purpose for the fun. Make sure people understand they still have to be responsible and get things done along the way.

[07:13] - You can go as big or as small as you want with fun, but you can formalize it for the benefit of your board or shareholders, too.

[07:54] - Prayer

[08:44] - Outro/what’s coming up next

Key takeaways:

• Things used to be very serious in business. Professional meant professional--i.e., not being “disrespectful” by “wasting time” for fun. Now though, things are shifting. 
• People are becoming more receptive to fun in the workplace because it achieves multiple goals: It 1) allows people to know each other more deeply, 2) combats the stress that can hurt the bottom line, and 3) gives people something to look forward to and serves as a motivational tool.
• Scripture shows that God’s people had a good balance between work and fun. They celebrated together and took time to take stock. They knew that frustrating leaders and making their authority less fun wasn’t going to be a good thing.
• You have lots of options for how to have fun, but don’t assume. Really find out what people will respond to.
• Once you know what fun things you want to do, communicate well. All of your communications can reinforce your “why” and the values of the business.
• No matter what you choose to do for fun, you should make a conscious effort to include everyone.
• Clarify boundaries for the shenanigans. People should know the purpose the activities are meant to serve and what your expectations are (or are not).
• You can go as big or as small or as formal or informal as you want with your fun. But it’s possible to verify the benefits for investors and others via metrics if needed. 

Relevant Links:

CTAs:

• Find out what your team sees as fun and relaxing to do. Make a conscious effort to bring those types of activities into your business for everyone in ways that can deliver verifiable, metrics-based outcomes. 

What’s coming up next:

Episode 15 of Faithful on the Clock tackles networking. How do you connect with people well with social media at every turn? You’ll get tips for strong connections and more in a serious look at the importance of follower numbers.