I think fun is a serious issue.
So, answer me this — do you have fun at work? Do you use humor in your daily interactions? If not, why not?
I’m not talking about putting a red nose on your face and going around honking a horn. What I am talking about is, do you see the fun, humor and silliness that occurs and not take you and what you are doing so seriously?
Last week, I talked about the example of Southwest Airlines and how they are fun and friendly but also totally professional and safe.
If you think about it, most people who are reading this and most people who are at work today and not reading this have to be there not because they want to, but because they need the income to support their family.
I believe most people who are working around the world today could think of something “more fun” that they would rather be doing.
But here is a killer question for you — for the vast majority of us who have to be there anyway, why not make it as fun and as fulfilling as possible?
There have been all sorts of studies that show the benefits of laughing, the benefits of humor and the importance of de-stressing stressful situations.
I think we would all agree that in today’s hyper-paced world a little extra fun, one or two extra laughs or doing something that is fulfilling for yourself, a colleague or a customer is welcomed!
I personally always try to use humor to make people stop and think differently. I will typically use humor to try to defuse any stressful situation either personally or professionally.
For those reading this who know me, there is really no difference between work and play — I behave pretty much the same way, except when I am sleeping. I think that reinforces my authenticity and my ability to leverage all seven of the personalization principles harmoniously.
Let me tell you how these principles have affected me personally — I believe working on and developing these principles and characteristics have allowed me to build deeply intimate customer relationships and deeply intimate relationships with co-workers that enable our team to deliver extraordinary results for our customers while learning, growing and having fun along the way.
My hope for you is that you see the value in incorporating these principles into your daily actions.
I promise you, if you commit and do the proper follow up and reinforcement with these principles you will be amazed at the transformational results that will follow.
Remember all 7 of the Personalization Principles are equally important and interdependent. You must exhibit all 7 of the Personalization Principles in order to thrive in this age of technology. Click below to recap all of the principles:
1. Authenticity
2. Hospitality
3. Empathy
4. Commitment
5. Competency
6. Friendly
7. Fun
