E-couragement: Lighten Up

“The benefits to a pleasant and happy workplace are that happy employees are more loyal and productive employees.” Dr. David Abramis On a cool autumn day in late October, I pulled up to the corporate office of my client, Window World. This was my first official visit to their North Wilkesboro, North Carolina headquarters. As I opened the door to enter, my attention was captured by two things. One was the warm greeting on a sign in the lobby reading, “Welcome Rich Schlentz.” The other was the receptionist sitting behind the desk in a Halloween clown outfit.

I had heard Jacqueline’s voice before, experiencing her personal and professional demeanor on the phone.  This was our first face-to-face encounter. My response was laughter, comfort, enjoyment, and engagement. From that moment I was convinced Window World was a fun place to work…and I was right. Along with nurturing a fun culture, Window World sells more than 1.25 million windows a year through 221 stores with over 1 million customers. Might there be a connection between fun and success?

Growing and nurturing a solid company is serious business. Having some fun along the way can pay big dividends. Sam Walton founded and developed the world’s largest retailer (Wal-Mart). He also danced the hula on Wall Street in a grass skirt in 1984 after his organization turned in an exceptional year. There’s even a photo to prove it.

How exactly does fun and happiness connect with business results, growth, and profits? Dr. David Abramis at Cal State Long Beach has studied fun at work for years, here’s what he found:

People who have fun on the job are more creative, more productive, better decision-makers, and get along better with co-workers. They also have fewer absentee, late, and sick days than people who aren’t having fun.

I recently participated in a feedback session with a group of professional speaking peers. We took turns critiquing new material each of us had developed. Part of the presentation I was practicing had the audience repeating a fun and highly energized chant aloud after me. One leadership consultant spoke to me privately after my review was complete. He said that the chant might not go over well if I was speaking to a room full of leaders. They might feel uncomfortable and resist my urge for them to participate.

I considered his feedback for a few days, and here’s my conclusion: I will keep the chant. For the exact reason that it was suggested I remove it. Leaders need to be pushed out of their comfort zones and allow themselves to have fun... even look silly at times. If it’s good enough for Sam Walton, it’s good enough for the rest of us.

It takes no special skill or abilities to be negative and gloomy. That’s why negativity flows easily and unencumbered from one person to the next within an organization. In contrast, a positive and fun-loving attitude calls for skill, energy, and intention. That’s why it’s rare. As an engaging leader it’s your responsibility to inject energy and excitement into your teams. Let the fun begin.