CARTOON:

artist:  Rona Chadwick

PUZZLE:


Rearrange two matches to make seven squares.

Last month's solution:

Please feel free to give us your feedback by sending us an e-mail at: coach@wghill.com

QUOTES:

You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.
Colette

Laughter is by definition healthy.
Doris Lessing

To love what you do and can feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?
Katherine Jackson

For me it is to laugh.
O’Henry

The day is lost on which one has not laughed.
French Proverb

Humour is an affirmation of dignity, a declaration of man’s superiority to all that befalls him.
Romain Gary

A man shows his character by what he laughs at.
Samuel Johnson

New Additions and Reviews:

• Personally, I think that it is important not only to read outside of our particular field or profession but also to have escapes of fantasy.  The Harry Potter Series, aimed for ages 9-12, is perfect for this.
• Sorry, I have been too busy with the rest of my life to update the web sites.  But do check out the articles below.

Imagine:

To tap into both our imagination and step back and look at things from a greater perspective, take some time to answer the following question.  You can use this activity in a group setting to open up discussions.

You have been chosen along with another three individuals to go up in the Space Shuttle and then spend ninety days at a docking station.  As a group you can only have one game, toy, or something of a similar nature. Sorry - nothing electronic.  What would it be and why?

Tip for the Month:

Here are some things that you can do to keep a lighthearted approach to the work environment.  Remember some of these suggestions are just ideas that may or may not work in your organizational culture.

• Have three toys on your desk. My favourites are Etch-a-sketch, a yo-yo and a barking stuffed dog.
• Get a small note book and schedule in ten minutes a day to doodle.
• After every 20 minutes of concentrated work, stop what you are doing, get up walk around for two minutes before going back to work.
• Have a half day True Colours Workshop with your team
• Keep a calendar on your desk of your favourite cartoonist (Dilbert, Herman, Far Side etc.)
• Play hook; sneak off with a colleague and go to a matinee movie or ballgame.

• Don't forward every e-mail joke you receive.  Be extremely selective and then only if you know that the other party won't mind.  And don't forward large files.

• Arrange for a Kid's Day at work where you can bring your children in to work for the day.

• Have a pot luck lunch or picnic for the staff on site.

Articles for the Month:

If I wanted to post humour web sites, or articles about humour and jokes, you would be inundated.  However, when it comes to the concept of play and adults there seems to be little pickings.  Here is one that I did find: Why is play good for you?

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (pronounced "ME-high CHICK-sent-me-high-ee") wrote a book on  FLOW: The Psychology of Optimal Experience.  Although more about happiness than play, you might find this an interesting topic. For more information check out The FlowNetwork.

MyPrimeTime, an interesting web site the caters to all aspects of the Baby Boomers life. They have lots of great little quizzes.  Try the Happiness Meter; it was quite surprising.

Next Month: Courtesy and manners in the workplace.