A Right Sized Attitude in a Downsized Market
Part 5
By Valarie D. Willis

There are five key attitudes that leaders should possess to survive this downturn and downsized market. Today's down economy gives every leader the opportunity to display a new sense of courage, a new sense of innovation, and a new sense of creativity within their work environment.

The Right Sized Attitude - Part 1

The Right Sized Attitude - Part 2

The Right Sized Attitude - Part 3

The Right Sized Attitude - Part 4

Yes, FUN!! Now is the time to have an attitude of fun.

Despite all the issues and problems that may face an organization, injecting humor and fun can make a big difference. I recall being on a difficult project with fast approaching deadlines and an overstressed team. The stress was taking a toll on both our camaraderie and productivity.

The last thing we would expect a leader to do , is to tell the team to take two hours off and go bowling and have some fun. But that is exactly what this particular leader did.

He gathered up the team and the entire group went bowling for just a couple of hours, and did not talk about the project and did not talk about work. The spouses and significant others were invited to join the team.

This outing seemed to allow everyone to become re-energized, renewed and refreshed. Everyone returned to work with a better attitude, problems that had plagued us, now had some breakthrough solutions and the team was in high gear again.

What I have never forgotten after that situation was that when people are working very hard and there is a lot of stress around, we need to create an environment that allows them to decompress. Doing so brings about rejuvenation and increased productivity. You do not have to take two hours to have fun, but find a way to allow fun in the workplace.

Get creative, have other people think of ways that can bring people together. Turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Have a themed lunch hour, i.e. Luau Thursday and let everyone dress up. (where possible).

Turn breaks into something fun, serve refreshments to your staff on a silver platter, or energize meeting by always having a 'fun break.

Having fun at work is not a waste of time, it should be thought of as a rejuvenation break for the employees and for the leaders.

You may not be able to control the economy, but you can always control your attitude!