Loosen that tie, kick off those heels, and brighten your office space with some quirky Cranium-inspired fun. You'll reduce stress and build camaraderie -- so add playtime to your agenda today!
Cut four 3-inch-wide strips of cardboard: two that match the width of your monitor and two that match the height. Tape the strips into a frame shape. (Cut 45-degree angles where the corners join for a professional look.) Cover with colored paper and embellish with photos, mementos, cookie fortunes, greeting card cutouts, or other fun things you may have on hand. Affix your masterpiece to your monitor with tape, and enjoy!
The next time you have an urgent document to photocopy or fax, try to get it to the machine without using your hands. Place a single sheet of paper flat against your chest. Then, without holding on to the document, walk quickly, allowing air pressure to keep it in place. Tell curious coworkers to get out of your way -- you're attending to a time-sensitive issue. "Urgent business coming through!" should do it.
Round up a stapler, some extra staples, and a sheet of paper. Create a one-of-a-kind landscape, punch a portrait, or sign your name in style by stapling the paper. (Note: make sure no one runs your staple-work creations through the shredder!)
Photocopy a picture of yourself and make it into a "Wanted" poster, complete with the description of your "crime" (Works Too Hard, Makes Strong Coffee, etc.). Hang your sign and encourage coworkers to whip up their own "Wanted" posters.
Place a pad of sticky notes on top of each foot and try to walk to the water cooler. Try to act nonchalant. If someone notices, act surprised and say, "So that's where those are!"
Try to make a single strip of paper 10 feet long -- or longer! Carefully tear a strip from the edge of an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper. Make a U-turn each time you approach the end of the sheet. Repeat as many times as you can. Challenge coworkers, then make the one with the shortest strip collect all the scraps for the recycling bin.
Outline a paradigm-shifting thought on the dry-erase board at the weekly staff meeting. Recap the pen. As you casually walk toward your seat, toss the marker over your shoulder into the marker tray. (Practice this one beforehand or risk humiliation for years to come!)
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