Have Fun

On a recent trip to Boston, I had a meeting with the founder of a growing global public relations and marketing firm. When I entered the office, I was struck by how quickly several people with smiling faces came over to ask me if I needed help. “Who are you here to see?” “Can I get you some coffee while you’re waiting?” “Here is today’s Financial Times.” “Let me go find Dan.” “Where did you come from today?”

Almost immediately I was laughing and thoroughly enjoying my interactions with this energetic group of people, all while still standing at the reception desk. Next thing I knew, someone came out, reminded me I had met them once before, which I’m sorry to admit I had forgotten, and apologized for the fact that Dan was in a meeting and wouldn’t be available for a short while. We passed the time as he enthusiastically shared some exciting new developments in the company and expressed how happy he was to work at a place that offered great opportunities to its employees and treated them so well. This led me to ask him what his role was in the company, because, of course, I had forgotten. He replied, “I was the guy who took notes in the corner of the room when you were last here for the big meeting.”

When I returned to Philadelphia, by coincidence, I wound up visiting a firm that did similar work. As I entered the elevator, I flashed back warmly to my Boston experience. When the doors opened, to my disappointment I walked out to find an empty reception area. I stood around for what seemed like an hour and then wandered down the hall. When I finally spotted someone, she ignored me. I managed to catch the attention of the second person I saw and explained that I had a meeting with Sarah. I was told to go back to reception where someone would help me. I wandered back to the empty space, stared at the blank walls, and picked up a newspaper lying on the table only to discover it was last week’s Wall Street Journal. Finally, someone showed up, asked if I was Steve and without even telling me his name, said “follow me”. A silent walk later, I found myself at Sarah’s door…

Having fun is all about energy. When you walk in the door you can feel the tenor of an organization and immediately know its culture. Is it a culture where people are appreciated, are encouraged, are involved, or a culture where engagement is outlawed? Is it one where people need to be told it’s time for them to leave, the day is over, or is it one where guards are at the door to keep people from fleeing early?

Having fun comes from having a culture where everyone is appreciated. Each person is given opportunities to contribute and thrive. Each person is encouraged to make decisions and act on those decisions. Each person is empowered to be in charge of their day.

In a fun organization, there is no fear. Communication is open and honest and flows in all directions throughout the organization. Be it new, even disruptive ideas, mistakes that were made, questionable management communication and actions, difficult employees—nothing is off limits. You are welcome to raise the issue, discuss it and keep it out in the open. People are allowed and even encouraged to be themselves, to share and show who they are. There is an understanding in the organization that diversity leads to creativity and growth. The thinking is expansive, ensuring all ideas are considered.

Having fun means that not only is there no fear within the organization, there is also no need for you as a leader to be fearful that the energy, dynamism and engagement that comes from a fun place to work won’t all be channeled in the right direction.

Again, it’s all about culture. A positive culture and exceptional performance develop when a good leader gives people the support and resources that enable them to be and do their best.

Everything the leader does or doesn’t do needs to exemplify and encourage a welcoming and positive environment that pulls people in. It’s your actions that count.

Think about your prospect, your customer, or anyone else for that matter, walking into your organization. As they enter your office, are they immediately, warmly, and enthusiastically welcomed into the family, like in the Boston company? Or is their visit a rude awakening to a chilly culture that makes them feel like an outcast who wandered in off the street, a la my experience in Philadelphia?

Which company do you think has been more effective at gaining and retaining business, keeping its people, and growing profitably?