Maestro Quality Newsletter Issue 1 – Feb 2008
Maestro: The Irony and Agony of Having More Fun at Work
Patricia’s Notes
Welcome to the premiere issue of Maestro’s newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is two-fold: to connect with you regularly and to provide current information and/or tips on:
- Quality in the Workplace (best practices, health and safety, employee policies);
- Personal Quality and Leadership; and
- Quality of Life in Retirement.
My intention is to share my research and experience on these topics with a sense of curiosity “How can this add to our quality of life – personally and professionally?”
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Feature Article – The Irony and Agony of Having More Fun at Work: Getting a “leg-up” on 2008
Early in January, I took a one-day business retreat with my associate, Sue Edwards (www.development-by-design.com , www.clearingthe90dayhurdle.com). Sue and I reviewed our successes in 2007 and coached one another on getting really clear about our vision and objectives for individual and collaborative business development for 2008.
To reinforce our shared vision of incorporating more fun in our businesses (for us and our clients), we decided to take a recess and go ice-skating. Like two young girls, we were excited to lace up our skates, get on the ice, and experience child-like fun and freedom. Ice-skating was my childhood passion; before the serious part of adult responsibility set in. This was an opportunity to relive a sense of lightness and freedom.
The Irony
On my last go-round, I tripped on the blue line and made what I thought was the most elegant landing on the ice that day. I did have a sense of lightness and freedom that split-second before hitting the ice. Being no stranger to falling on the ice, I dusted myself off, put on the brave face, and continued to skate around the rink one more time. Sue and I continued our work in the afternoon with a few interruptions to reapply fresh ice to my knee. By the end of the day, it was evident that my knee had been traumatized.
The Agony
X-rays later revealed that I fractured my left patella (knee cap). I am sporting a full-leg splint until the end of February.
The “Leg-up”
With my leg up on a pillow, I consciously chose to make the best of this unexpected challenge. I am getting “knee-deep” (pun intended) in research and writing. I am visiting clients and attending business networking events to stay connected. I am flying to Ottawa in February and preparing for the security issues around my splint. That will be fun. I am most grateful to witness first-hand how people step up to lend a hand and accommodate my special needs. I am delighted when they join in and share the irony and humour in my story. There’s lots of laughter in the workplace.
Here’s just a sampling of the comments I have received. Warning: Some are corny, but laughter truly is the best medicine.
“So, you want more fun in your life? Be careful what you ask for.”
“Is that considered to be a workplace injury?”
“Looks like you’ve got a “leg up” on the rest of us – starting the new year.”
The AHA!
When Sue and I talked about our accomplishments in 2007, we recognized that several were the result of unexpected challenges. These unexpected challenges presented unexpected opportunities and gave us a “leg-up” to new levels of competency and choice personally and professionally.
The Lesson
Facing unexpected challenges with a sense of humour and a commitment to make the best of the situation stirs creativity and promotes a healthier positive movement forward. This positive mentality also engages others who gladly offer and follow through with their support.
“If you can laugh at it, you can survive it.” Bill Cosby.
My Message
Develop your unique inner sense of humour to respond to unexpected challenges. Add fun in all areas of your life including and especially at work. Everyone wins!
Resources
What I am currently reading:
“Fun is Good, How to Create Joy & Passion in Your Workplace & Career” by Mike Veeck and Pete Williams. Mike Veeck is president and part owner of six wildly successful minor league baseball teams. Pete Williams writes about business, fitness, and sports. In this book, the authors promote the “Fun is Good” mentality in the workplace and describe how having fun at work contributes to employee and customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty. Everyone wins!
