Employee Engagement: Monday Morning Percolator #3

This Monday’s percolator is a slow percolator. Slow Leadership is a wonderful blog with the tag-line:  Real leadership isn’t an instant activity any more than a healthy diet is a hamburger, fries, and a large soda.

It is good to see someone take a strong focus on slowing down and reflection. The articles are thoughtful, well-written, and laced with leadership insights. This blog is invaluable for leaders and strongly encourages leaders to slow down and think, and maybe even think some more.

Carmine Coyote looks at a variety of key points around leadership. I encourage you to become a regular reader of the blog.

The post highlighted for today is: Are we having fun yet? The author looks at nine principles of having fun based on the Eight Irresistible Principles of Fun. Here is a list of the principles, scan the list then go read the post:

1. Stop hiding who you really are.
2. Start being intensely selfish.
3. Stop following the rules.
4. Start scaring yourself.
5. Stop talking at all so damn seriously.
6. Start getting rid of the crap.
7. Stop being busy.
8. Start something.
9. Don’t worry what others will think of you.

I would call the principles of fun outlined on this post “deep fun.” They are not the superficial activities of passing around silly e-mails or having a crazy dress day at work, rather they are approaches that will add more meaningful fun to your day. After all, tortoises only make progress when they stick their necks out. Here is the conclusion to the post.

When do people perform best at any task, from sport to nuclear physics? When they’re relaxed, intent on what they’re doing and more of less oblivious of everything else. When they’re having fun. So loosen up and enjoy your life.

If you want to brew up some powerful engagement recognize what you need to stop, act on what you need to start, and don’t worry — be engaged!

Photo by Jenny Rollo