By Amanda Wallin
Okay people, this is your last “You Go Girl (Boy)! “ post so let’s make it count!
Prank it Up
Nothing makes someone feel supported and loved like a good prank right? Or is that just the way my office shows appreciation? Haha
It’s officially December so most of us are buried in file reading or just finishing up our deadlines. This is the time to take a break and plot a solid prank. Look up from the computer and prank your colleague! In our office, pranks happen regularly, it’s almost like a form of initiation. Once you’ve been pranked, you’re one of us! It’s a good way to keep people on their toes and show them that you want to enjoy a good laugh with them. Pranks (if done properly) can be a good team building experience and help relieve some of the stress we may be feeling.
As mentioned previously, it’s now December, so I can guarantee that my office will begin the Elf on the Shelf pranks any day now. Last year, one of my colleagues was out sick for the day so while she was gone I turned her office into an Elf on the Shelf theme park. It was awesome! Needless to say, the next day when she returned the whole office had a good laugh and my sick colleague felt a little better knowing she was missed the day before. Little acts like this are great during overloaded work seasons, not to mention the holidays. A little prank comradery can send the message of “You Go Girl (Boy)!”
Note: Prank wisely…don’t do anything you wouldn’t want done to yourself!
Share the Love
In my last post, I shared a few examples of how to show some gratitude to your whole office. For this post, I encourage you guys to look outside your office and pay it forward. This is a season of giving so let’s not just say “You Go Girl (Boy)” to ourselves, let’s share the love. There are so many ways we can give back to our communities and this can be a great opportunity for you and your office to do so as a team.
Perhaps this year your office may want to consider adopting a family for the holidays. You may even want to combine funds and donate to a charity that you guys feel passionate about. I know things can get tight with parties, gifts, and other responsibilities so contributing funds might not be feasible for your group. Another way to give back would be to give your time — try a community service experience or donate canned food from your pantry at home.
My hope is that if anyone has read any of my posts that this last tip of mine is the one that sticks. There are so many less fortunate people than us, and the holidays are such a special time. If any of you are already planning to or are in the process of giving back to your community, I give you my most sincere… “You Go Girl (Boy)!”
Happy Holidays!!