Make Goals Fun

Some work can be routine, repetitious and boring. People who work in these environments often seek ways to help the time go by. There was a time that people would listen to a radio. In some companies a ballgame on the radio combined with a small sum betting pool made life more interesting and the time go by more quickly. Unfortunately, it seems that many companies have banned radios and an even greater number of companies (and some government agencies) frown on any kind of gambling pool.

Some managers have found ways to overcome boredom while increasing performance by making their department goals fun. One way is to set a goal for the entire department with some sort of "prize" or "treat" when the goal is met. Performance against goal is monitored and posted frequently so that checking on the goal becomes similar to checking on the progress of a ballgame. Another way is to create competitions between work groups or teams which can generate a team spirit similar to playing the ballgame at work. And, of course, individual performance can also be measured, tracked and posted to a scoreboard with appropriate rewards for achievements.

The key to all of this of course is to have fun while improving overall performance of the work unit and enjoying a prize or treat along the way.

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