What's So Funny?
I've been doing quite a few keynotes recently centered on my book The 100% Factor: Living Your Capacity. The audiences have really related to almost everything we talk about but there is one part that almost always puzzles me.
Just about every time I show this photo, it is greeted with snickers and even outright guffaws. What is so funny about this photo? Is it because the heading I put with it is "Moments of Ecstatic Engagement"?This photo is from a 2-page Microsoft ad I scanned from Fast Company magazine a couple of years ago. Is it always so funny that we could possibly talk about "ecstatic engagement" and "work" in the same sentence?
I'd love to add your comments to my presentations - what are you seeing? What are you experiencing? Is it funny to think about feeling this way at work? Do you feel ecstatic when you're at work? If not, what's missing? If so, what's present? Is it possible to LOVE your job? If so, how? If not, why not? Inquiring minds want to know!
posted by Jodee Bock @ 9:07 PM
6 comments
6 Comments:
Jodee -
Yeah... it's almost heart breaking to see it. But, when you talk to someone about loving what they do and they either laugh with that uncomfortable laugh or look at you like you're crazy. But for some... that thought seems as impossible as driving a VW bug to the moon.
It's also tough when you talk with folks about their dreams and their dreams are buried so deep... it takes weeks to uncover 'em.
So... I can only imagine that some groups might question the possibilities when you speak to them about this.
But... knowing you and knowing your life is living proof that it's possible... you have the authority to take people to this question and show them that it's possible for them too.
So stay the course... keep showing the possibilities... and keep having fun with it.
You'll be a raging curiosity that will inspire folks to go after that kind of life!
Mitch:
Thank you for your kind comments. I do know that it's true - when I can speak to my audiences using myself as an example, I know I do bring a sense of authenticity and credibility to my presentations. It takes more than a keynote speech to allow changes to take place within an organization that might have more fear than love in its culture, but, as you point out, my commitment to any audience is that they leave with more possibilities than they could see before.
I also want them to consider - even before I start speaking - that there are some things they may not even know they don't know about themselves and their lives. That's where the real possibilities lie. When we can open our minds to what we don't even know we don't know, now we can go beyond this one speaking event to altering the process of our daily lives. That's where the reward is for me with my clients - getting beyond the event to the process.
Thanks so much for the reminders, Mitch - and for always having such great questions ... and a kick in the pants when I need it!
Jodee,
I think it is a funny picture.
It just seems over the top but then I am Canadian and we understate just about everything. Just listen to Steve Nash talk about his awesome passing in the N.B.A.
Carry on caring,
David
Thanks, David. Yeah, we North Dakotans are pretty close to you Manitobans - in location and in understatement, so I know what you mean. I think it's a funny picture, too - but not funny unbelievable or funny "that could NEVER happen at my job." I hold out hope that people can LOVE their jobs. I just finished Alexander Kjerulf's book "Happy Hour is 9 to 5" and he wouldn't stake his career on that premise if he didn't believe it.
And he's from Denmark! We can't let him think they are happier in Europe than we are in North America! :)
I'm guessing this is staged since it was from an ad in Fasr Company? It does seem over-stated and even a little scary to ma as far as being work-related.
Yes, I'd like to work with people who enjoy their job, but I don't want to work with fanatics.
Sometimes, when I've finished a difficult project or gotten rif of a bothersome one, I show similar enthusiasm. But, it's not usually engaed in by others. They might indulge me for a moment, but are mostly non-emotive in the work atmosphere.
Don't think it means we don't enjoy our jobs, though. It's the old Puritan work ethic. Work isn't supposed to be THAT much fun, is it? You know they might not want to pay us as much, if they know we're having fun, too :-)
like someone said to me recently. "Work is work, that's why they call it that!" Even so, I keep trying to defy the stereotype, with little luck, so far.
Oh, yes - I'm certain this was staged. It was an ad, after all. But I still think it's a great message.
Yes, there is that Puritan work ethic and the old school management style would say you can't possibly enjoy something that is called "work." However, I'd like to challenge that ethic - and it sounds like you do, too, Anon. Here's to your efforts - and know you're not alone!
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