Ever notice how workplaces have a very different energy level when a snowstorm, hurricane, or some other weather event is on its way.
People seem to smile more. There seems to be more water cooler chat; even if it is only about the weather. People who normally might pass each other in the halls are commenting on the arriving storm; wondering if they will be released from prison early that day. It’s a very different feel to the organization on those days.
Clearly it’s because there is a common interest – how the weather is going to impact each and every employee; good or bad. Who has the longest commute? Who needs to leave now? Who will have to stay behind to keep the business going? Who is already calculating the overtime in their paycheck when 2nd and 3rd shifters don’t arrive? There is sympathy, empathy, understanding, concern, happiness, laughter and hope throughout.
Which leads me to the question……………
If the people within an organization can be that cohesive because of a weather event, why can’t they be that cohesive year round in terms of company business?
Isn’t there always a common interest – like the long term desire to keep the business a going concern? To keep the business profitable? To continue to offer new products and/or services that will set the business apart from the competition? To keep your job?
These days there seem to be snowstorms and hurricanes going on within the four walls of many organizations. Maybe it’s time to start talking about them? Maybe it’s time to get the sympathy, empathy, understanding, concern, happiness, laughter and hope that we exhibit during external weather events and use the great minds behind those thoughts and feelings when internal weather events occur. What do you think? And are you up for a challenge?
Because my challenge to you is that you tap into the talent that is available at EVERY layer of an organization and find out what they can offer to keep growth, profitability and productivity at the forefront. You’ll also make great strides in the quest to keep employees happy and feeling part of the team.
And if you haven’t noticed the difference in attitude and energy on those days you’re either not in the office or working way too hard. Get involved with the snow people; they might make your job easier.
