You have all heard it “One bad apple…” – How to be the best Team Member Possible
That’s
right the old adage “One bad apple spoils the bunch” since we were kids
it’s been pounded into our heads that you have to be bigger than
yourself. It's been overlooked in the workplace and this simple concept
could increase productivity and produce great results.
When
I traveled across America for 6 years with Ringling Bros. Circus, I had
to help load in and load out the show wagons (they called it “cherry
pie” jobs). The efficiency of this kind of work was essential to the
show because there were about 40 wagons in all and in most cases
opening night was the next day! Okay so this is nothing new, people
unload trucks everyday right? Well if you have ever been to the circus
and stopped to count how many different nationalities were represented
in each performance you would realize that communication and teamwork
were the two most important concepts in use every day.
I lead a team which consisted of a Hungarian, a Moroccan, a Russian, and two Brazilian men. I didn’t speak every language (I speak English) so we needed to learn some quick universal signs and movements if we were to get the job done efficiently.
Everyone loves acronyms so here is a great one to help you out when your task at hand is to be shared with other members of your company and you want or need to do the best possible job.
T.E.A.M.
T-
Trust, you have to have it when a project is given and there are
multiple people assigned to the task. Your co workers will be depending
on you to deliver what was asked, don’t let them down.
E- Engage, don’t leave anyone out. Everyone has special skills or something they are better at than others, find out what those things or qualities are and maximize your potential by using your strengths.
A- Accountability, ultimately no one else is responsible for what you commit to besides you. You must be willing and able to perform the tasks you say you are going to do. Don’t leave your colleagues high and dry.
M- Motivate, when someone is lagging behind or not delivering to the best of their abilities, take charge, and inspire them to be better, show them new avenues or techniques. Show them by doing, support them in the process and I guarantee you will get much better results.
So don’t be the bad apple that makes the team fail. Your negative attitude or personality can do so much harm when everyone has a common objective. Your peers are counting on you don’t spoil the whole bunch!
-Bryan Fulton 2010 ©
Driving Cross Country – 5 Ways to Optimize the Experience
Road Trip! Have you ever wanted to get in the car and hit the open road? Here I discuss vital steps that should be taken before you even turn the key. So get in, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
Alright you got some time off and you want to travel. A nice cross country road trip sounds good, but what should you do to optimize your driving experience.
I have traveled the United States back and forth top to bottom 8 times while I was a clown with Ringling Bros. Circus. I’ve driven through Mexico and Canada. Trust me I’ve made lots of wrong turns and been stranded more than my fair share. The Following are 5 ways to make sure your journey is one to remember… in a good way.
Disaster or Emergency Kit- basic kits should include roadside flares, a quart or two of oil, small first aid kit, extra fuses, flashlight, some kind of multipurpose tool with pliers, knife, saw, bottle opener, screwdrivers, files etc… tire inflator, rags, and pen and paper. These can be customized for the type of trip you’re taking like going through the desert you might want to pack extra water. If you’re traveling through the mountains you might want to pack a blanket. Either way this kit will literally be a lifesaver!
Route Planning- maps, atlases, and other navigation devices will make your drive safer. I would highly recommend familiarizing yourself with the route you’re going to take before the trip. Also take into account traffic, weather and construction. Nothing is worse than sitting in traffic before your trip even gets started.
Insurance- this seems like a no brainer, but I’m not talking about car insurance which I’m sure you already have but rather Travel Insurance. Companies like AAA are heaven sent when you’re on the road. Whether you locked your keys in car and need the lock popped, or you’ve run out of gas 20 miles from the next exit don’t overlook the power and peace of mind a little travel insurance can give you. Sometimes your credit cards have a travel insurance program that might be built into your card, give them a call.
Vehicle Inspection- checking things like tire pressure and oil levels will not only save you money at the pump, but they will protect you on long stretches of the highway. A quick visit to your local car repair shop or mechanic will let you know what needs to be fixed before your 1000 miles from home. “Know before you go.”
Entertainment- music, movies, books on tape all huge lifesavers, especially if you have kids! This is a road trip after all make sure you have enough to mix it up for the voyage there and back. Games like Car BINGO are fun and inexpensive ways to pass the time. *Please be responsible and pay attention to the road while you’re listening or playing. Safety First!
So there you have it D.R.I.V.E. Disaster or emergency kits, route planning, insurance, vehicle inspection, and entertainment easy to remember and well worth the effort.
Have a great trip!
-Bryan Fulton 2010 ©
Atmosphere Entertainment – When and where it’s effective
When
producing or planning an event and you decide to go with a theme it is
always good to have the entertainment in place to support your theme.
A lot of meeting planners or event producers make the mistake of just hiring a clown or balloon twister and it can be great (trust me I have done both) but it does not relay that you went the extra mile in the research. Event planning companies and agencies have the specific job of making your event hassle free and unique use them!
Atmosphere entertainment is not going to be effective if you do not use it properly. If you are having a function in a small banquet room where the tables are not going to be very far apart then a strolling entertainer would not really be able to do his or her job. Instead perhaps place them on a pedestal in an area that people would be walking past to get a drink or use the rest room. It will not be intrusive to the overall purpose of the event or its guests but it will add the desired punch to the theme and get your efforts noticed.
I recently had a client ask for a stilt walker to be part of an "Under the Big Top" themed event. They said they wanted the performer to meet and greet guests before and after dinner in the lobby to let them know the silent auction was going on and maybe take some pictures with them as they were entering and exiting the room. This is a fantastic use of atmosphere entertainment because she understood that during the actual dinner people would not want someone towering over them trying to make them laugh at a black tie gala. People would be constantly getting up and down from their seats and it could make for a potentially hazardous situation if someone were to knock into the stilt walker and send him crashing down (not a pretty picture).
So the next time you are planning a themed meeting or event and want to have entertainment consult with the entertainers and the entertainment agencies. Let them know what is going to happen throughout the course of the night and they will let you know the best uses and locations for their talents. Do some research and hire the right acts for the right themes and you will be a superstar!
-Bryan Fulton 2010 ©
