Perspective is defined as “a particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view.”
This week, rather than provide my own point of view on the competitive events we’ve executed over the past 8 years, I thought I’d explore the information from my committee members’ perspective.
Assembling the team around a table at a coffee bar reminiscent of a pivotal point in a John Grisham legal thriller, I greet each individual as they find a seat with their beverage and settle in for a brief interview about creating colleague motivation through competition in the workplace.
Welcome, and thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. First question I have for the group – What initially drew you to planning events within our workplace?
CHAD (The Visionary) My initial exposure to the planning side was actually playing the game.
TAYLOR (The Enforcer) For me, it had more to do with my sparkling personality and my uncanny ability to boss people around in a nice way.
KELLY (The Scribe) Having charitable events/games at work gives colleagues something to look forward to. When the games are going on, that’s all people talk about. The buzz is undeniable. I feel the same when it comes to planning the events. The committee is working to plan at least 6 months ahead of time. Being on the planning team has allowed me to build relationships with people outside my department and I look forward to the planning meeting each week…it’s something different from my normal work routine.
DAVID (The Prodigal) I had competed in “The Amazing Race” and my partner and I had some great ideas for future events – which eventually became the first HVZ (Humans vs. Zombies).
ERIN (The Devil’s Advocate) In my case, a friend reached out to me to help the committee for the very first event, and after that, I was hooked! It was fun to get involved and work with people from other departments. The events are so much fun that if I am not playing the game, then helping to plan is the next best thing.
WILL (The Examiner) When it come to these elaborate games, if I recall, you begged me for help. Additionally, I enjoy seeing colleagues completed invested in the games and having a ball at the workplace. It’s like adult recess for many of us.
KENZIE (The New Recruit) I chose to get involved when “Lip Sync Battle” began in 2016, but was looped in to the camaraderie of the team.
What specific part of planning corporate competitive events has been most challenging for you?
CHAD Trying to make it competitive while staying within corporate guidelines and having the eliminations be fair for the competitors.
TAYLOR Working to make everyone happy.
ERIN The most challenging part for me is balancing work and planning. I also wish I were more creative with coming up with new challenges and games. I am more technical but I do what I can!
WILL I agree on the balancing work and event duties. Also, I don’t like to let any competitors down in any way.
DAVID & TAYLOR Ditto on finding time to balance work and play…it’s a struggle.
KELLY I love the challenge of coming up with bigger, better ideas every year. We have high expectations from our colleagues, so it’s always a challenge to not disappoint them!
KENZIE I always find the vast majority of ideas, thoughts and suggestions challenging as well as compiling a proper plan to execute.
If someone were new to the concept of competitive workplace events, what advice would you give them upfront before they begin?
KELLY Get organized from the start. Create a “planning document” inclusive of all notes and ideas that result from meetings, side conversations, or dreams during the night. Jot everything down…because you never know when you’ll use the idea in the future.
DAVID Along that same line…think outside of the box. Even if you don’t think you can get a challenge, mission, or event approved by leadership, throw it out there. You may be surprised by what leadership is open to.
CHAD Exactly! At the same time, speak up and don’t be afraid to go against the group. New ideas help to make an event bigger and better every year.
ERIN Even though you may disagree with the overall plan, be a team player. Be flexible! The events go through lots of changes in the planning phase. Be a good listener. Speak up to see what small pieces you can do to help the team. Figure out what role you can play. Maybe you’re super creative or maybe you’re good at testing the events or utilizing technical skills.
KENZIE And above all…keep an open mind…always!
WILL Definitely Kenzie! Be flexible. Be patient. Be prepared to spend many hours to make an event successful. Be as productive as possible during meetings. And lastly…don’t forget to enjoy the fun of it all!
Check back soon for part two of my interview with my creative team, their insights and expertise.
Until then, thanks much and be sure to follow MotEVENTure as we continue to define how to bring motivation and fun into the workplace in a safe and extremely unique way!
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