Wednesday, January 19, 2005
On becoming a Fun Consultant
Evelyn O writes: "I want to do what you do when I grow up (actually when I retire - (I am 53!) I have worked in the "stuffed shirt" business world for years, and have had this dream of bringing more fun to the workplace. I would like to be a "fun consultant" to businesses when I retire. How do I get started?"
The Fun One responds:
Dearest Evelyn,
I am delighted to learn that you want to undertake such an effort. Bringing more fun into the world is often difficult, and more often spiritually rewarding than materially.
My first recommendation - and this is the most difficult (what'd you expect?) is that you start right now, even in your underempowered position, to sneak fun into the office, however you can. Maybe some toys. Maybe some wacky lunches. There are some good books out there. Check out my friend Matt Weinstein's "Managing to Have Fun" for some insights.
My next recommendation - explore, in depth, everything that is fun for you. This might seem easier, but, in this world, in these times, focusing on fun is a significant challenge. Learn everything you can about what is fun for you, and when. Explore. Expand your repertoire.
Then, despite everything, find fun wherever you can. For me, it's usually in the informal connections between people - the "hi" and "how are you" kind of dialogue. Discover how you can keep yourself light, and you will begin to shed light on how you can do the same for others.
This is of course just a start.
Contact me when you're ready for your next set of instructions.
My guess is you won't have to.
The Fun One responds:
Dearest Evelyn,
I am delighted to learn that you want to undertake such an effort. Bringing more fun into the world is often difficult, and more often spiritually rewarding than materially.
My first recommendation - and this is the most difficult (what'd you expect?) is that you start right now, even in your underempowered position, to sneak fun into the office, however you can. Maybe some toys. Maybe some wacky lunches. There are some good books out there. Check out my friend Matt Weinstein's "Managing to Have Fun" for some insights.
My next recommendation - explore, in depth, everything that is fun for you. This might seem easier, but, in this world, in these times, focusing on fun is a significant challenge. Learn everything you can about what is fun for you, and when. Explore. Expand your repertoire.
Then, despite everything, find fun wherever you can. For me, it's usually in the informal connections between people - the "hi" and "how are you" kind of dialogue. Discover how you can keep yourself light, and you will begin to shed light on how you can do the same for others.
This is of course just a start.
Contact me when you're ready for your next set of instructions.
My guess is you won't have to.
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