A client sent me this photo he found on twitter and I couldn’t help but think, what do we do to get our team to smile or get them fired up? What are the best ways to inspire people to get excited and have more fun at work? Here are my top 10 ideas for you to consider implementing as a leader in your organization.

  1. Tell people why you appreciate them as a co-worker-be sincere & genuine.
  2. Give your team positive feedback about their professional strengths and how it’s an asset.
  3. Ask them one idea they have for improving the organization? Make every effort to implement the idea or acknowledge it to let them know they were heard.
  4. Participate in an event as a team outside of work-build a home for Habitat for Humanity, ALS walk, Swim for Cancer, go to a Baseball game, host a family picnic. Find out what they would like to do.
  5. SMILE (Thanks Mr. Carnegie-Human Relation Principle no. 5)
  6. Ask your team to create a top 10 list of core values or guiding principles of what’s important to them for consistent professional behavior in their workplace.
  7. Post the list so everyone can help each other be accountable.
  8. Make sure your team has strategic communications in place so conflict is resolved peacefully.
  9. Find out what your team’s personal and professional goals are and how you can help them make progress towards attaining them for 2012 and beyond.
  10. Empower people to control stress & worry by sharing a copy of How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie.
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