Just a reminder that Friday, May 14 is National Dance Like A Chicken Day.

How might you celebrate?  You could:

• -send a Happy Dance Like a Chicken Day e-mail and include this link
• -play the chicken song in the office
• -ask for volunteers to demonstrate the chicken dance
• -ask for volunteers to teach the chicken dance
• -tell your team that if they  _______ (fill in the blank*)by the end of the day, you will do the chicken dance at the next staff meeting

C’mon – don’t be a chicken!

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 they pushed to goal and boss did the chicken dance in front of everyone!

Let us know how you celebrate National Dance Like a Chicken Day.  And be sure to send pictures!

Important Note:  This type of activity will NOT serve to boost morale unless a good foundation is in place.  The foundation of good morale and productivity is hiring the right people.  Yes – don’t hire grumps.  And the people must have clear roles, responsibilities, expectations and goals.  And they must receive training and coaching which includes feedback, direction, support and recognition from a trusted manager or coach.   

With this foundation in place,  a bit of silliness can serve to ll 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).  

For more ideas that will help you build morale and productivity this month, see May-Only Ways to Boost Morale & Productivity.

copyright 2010 – Business Class Inc

* ideas to go in the blank: 

• bring  in $10,000 of revenue
• brings in $5000 of receivables
• process  50 orders
• make 25 PR calls
• or whatever activity it is you need to get you to goal