Playing the part
Oddball Leaders play everyday.
One of the most amusing comments someone has made about my “office aesthetic” was made late last year.
I was meeting with someone in my office, who all of a sudden started sniffing.
“Why does it smell like Play-doh in here?” she asked.
I couldn’t blame her. I didn’t have Play-doh in my office in that moment, but I had Legos. And a wide array of fidgets and puzzles. And coloring books.
Truth is, my office typically looked more like a kindergarten classroom than a place for a grown-ass adult to work.
But it’s by design. I am the Queen of Office Playtime!
(…I did add Play-doh to my arsenal later that week.)
IN EVERYTHING THAT MUST BE DONE, THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF FUN.
Mary Poppins said this, right? I think? I didn’t come up with this slogan, did I? It’s too good to be something I would come up with.
EITHER WAY, it is a slogan I abide by as a tenet of my Oddball Leadership approach.
Because honestly? Work SUCKS sometimes. I’ve said this before. As leaders, we should be incorporating playfulness in our work lives to spark creativity, boost morale, bring levity during stressful times, and build a sense of community around your team.
Of course, bear in mind that not everyone wants to participate in office hijinks, shenanigans, or any other type of chicanery in the workplace — though all should feel welcome to partake.
And if it’s just you taking a Lego break every day, have fun anyway!
PEEPS IN THE MICROWAVE AND OTHER EXAMPLES OF CORPORATE JACKASSERY
At my last job, one of my teammates always had leftover Peeps from Easter. Did you know that when you put a Peep in the microwave they puff up beyond all reason?! It’s a fun lil science experiment to do in your office kitchenette for everyone’s viewing pleasure — use the chick shapes for maximum aesthetic.
Nothing beats relaxing during the bananas-bonkersness every nonprofit agency experiences at the end of the year than A SUPER SMASH BROS. GAMING SESH!! One day, at the end of last year, I brought my Switch into work. I hooked it up in the auditorium, and staff were able to choose their fighter, mash buttons and beat the crap out of each other (er, their officially-licensed Nintendo character) on a gigantic projection screen.
And seriously — get the creative juices flowing with a Lego or coloring break. Take 15 minutes out of your day to create, for creating’s sake. Put some Legos in your office already.
ON OFFICE PRANKS
It would be negligent of me to remain mum on the topic of office pranks. I am OBSESSED with a good office prank. I’ve pulled quite a few epic ones in my day. BUT! I must encourage you to abstain from them. (I know. This is real spiritual growth for me to say this.)
We live in a world that is growing increasingly self-aware about sensitive topics and triggers. The last thing an Oddball Leader wants to do is try to be cute or funny at the expense of someone else’s embarrassment, especially that of a fellow team member. You never know what could hurt someone. DON’T DO PRANKS!!