The foundation of good morale and productivity is hiring the right people.  Yes – don’t hire grumps.  And the people must have clear roles, responsibities, expectations and goals.  And they must receive training and coaching which includes feedback, direction, support and recognition from a trusted manager or coach.  

If these aren’t in place, this article is NOT for you.    If they ARE in  place,  I encourage you to put this  Quote of the Week to work every now and then. 

 Here are ten May-only opportunities for doing this.  In some cases, you may feel like a fool.  Your teammates may roll their eyes.   But they will laugh too.   And that will lighten the load, break the tension and maybe even bring people closer together. Not just today – but down the road as they think about or talk about the day that ___________ (fill in the blank).  

1. May 5 – Celebrate  Cinco del Mayo – Make this celebration real easy by bringing chips and salsa to work.    And/or having the staff meet at a local Mexican restaurant for lunch or Happy Hour.
2. May 5 – Celebrate the Great American Grump Out
3. May 14 – Celebrate National Dance Like A Chicken Day –  If you choose to celebrate this one, be sure to send us pictures.
4. May 15  – Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day – This one is real easy.  Just bring a bag of cookies to work.  And some milk.  Pass them around at the staff meeting if you happen to have a staff meeting that day. 
5. May 19  – Celebrate Frog Jumping Jubilee Day – Send us pictures if you choose to celebrate this one.
6. May 21 – Bike-to-Work Day  –  May is National Bicycle Month and various communities are organizing Bike-to-Work Day.  Some are earlier than May 21. 
7. May 28  – Celebrate National Hamburger Day –  Reserve a shelter at the park, buy burgers and buns and ask everyone else to bring their families, side dishes, desserts and beverages.  
8. May 30 – Celebrate My Bucket’s Got A Hole In It Day.  More on this one closer to the day.
9. Celebrate BBQ Month – There are all sorts of ways to do this.  Bring BBQ to the office one day.  Take everyone out for BBQ one day.  Bring grills to work and ask everyone to bring something.  
10. Celebrate Zombie Awareness Month – Send us pictures if you choose to celebrate this one.

Warning – Before you begin, re-read paragraphs 1 and 2.   

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