TED Tuesday: Build A Tower, Build A Team | Tom Wujec

"And sometimes, a little prototype of this experience is all that it takes to turn us from an "uh-oh" moment to a "ta-da" moment. And that can make a big difference."

Good Morning Folks,

Our site managers have incredibly varied job roles—their responsibilities include everything from overseeing change management to implementing internal communication strategies and new office technologies. For site managers looking to stay on top of workplace and technology trends, TED Talks can be a great resource. 

Tom Wujec's talk is a case in point. With almost 4 million views it outlines a staple team building exercise—he engages different groups in a simple tower building contest. The competition pits groups like kindergartners, engineers and CEOs against each other to see who can build the tallest tower within a time limit. The talk unveils some unexpected results, with teams who remove ego and focus on iterative methods winning over teams consisting of people typically in leadership positions. Managers who work with project-focused teams may find this talk especially helpful as it holds valuable information about matching incentives, skill sets and work processes in order to achieve a goal.

Tom Wujec presents some surprisingly deep research into the "marshmallow problem" — a simple team-building exercise that involves dry spaghetti, one yard of tape and a marshmallow. Who can build the tallest tower with these ingredients? And why does a surprising group always beat the average? Have a look:

With topics ranging from employee habits and leadership tactics, to big data and technological innovations, here are some other important TED Talks we've showcased for site managers to watch:

Jason Fried: "Why work doesn't happen at work"

David Autor: "Will automation take away all our jobs?"

Thanks to David Spence at Office Space for leading me to today's talk. And thanks to you for watching.

Have a GREAT day,

Mitchell D. Weiner

Chief Happiness Officer  

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"Procrastination is the grave in which opportunity is buried”
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Ideas are not set in stone. When exposed to thoughtful people, they morph and adapt into their most potent form. TED Tuesdays on MitchWeiner.com highlights some of today's most intriguing ideas. Look for more talks on Technology, Entertainment and Design -- plus science, business, global issues, the arts and much more— HERE. 

FSO: Cooking Up Esprit De Corps

"What a great event! I really had fun and bonded with everyone. Thank you to the owners Mitch, Steve and Jim. This is going to be hard to top off. Thank you to the staff who put this event together."

At FSG we have a big appetite for being known as the best place to work and spare no expense or effort into making work a fun, enjoyable experience.

As a case in point, consider our owner's "Circle of Excellence." Last night, our best and brightest employees came together to reward achievement, to promote honest and open relationships and communication, and to give participants a great way to eat, drink and bond as members of this distinguished fraternity.

Each employee had to prepare their own unique ingredient that became part of a three-course dinner. After the meal was prepared, we dined together as a family. Everyone had an awesome time! All evening and all this morning that’s all we heard we are so thrilled with the party’s succes.

We believe spirit elevates people and inspires them to make real and lasting improvements to their performance at work and at home. It builds esprit de corps by challenging employees to work together, have fun, communicate freely and encourage each other to achieve a common goal.

The results are evident in the smiles of participants.

As one employee reported: "It was a great time when we can all get together to cook, eat, drink and laugh. Thanks to our owners and leadership for making FSG the place to be!! I look forward to the next one! "

We''ve built a dedicated team of full-time associates by providing training, guidance and supervision to help them exceed our expectations of excellence in service to our clients. By offering our associates career opportunities and advancement, we reap the rewards of their commitment and PRIDE in doing what they do each day.

That is why company leadership is committed to continually motivating our employees, providing them the tools they need to succeed and support helping both our customers and our associates in fulfilling their dreams and ambitions.

Have a GREAT day!

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“The happiest people don't have the best of everything. 

They make the most of everything."
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FSO Chicago Goes To The Ballgame

It is said, "The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don't feel valued, neither will your customers." We believe in putting employees front and center with power and imagination — to fire enthusiasm, build company loyalty, encourage creative thinking and teamwork and create long-lasting memories.

As an example, our Vice President of Sales, Ron Kelly, hosted a team outing on the rooftops in Wrigleyville with a few of our Chicago top performers. It was a great opportunity for folks who are in the business of delivering hospitality to witness VIP hospitality from a customer's shoes. They picked up many tips and ideas to take back to the sites. What's more, the Cubs won!

This is how we take care of the people who take care of you.

CHEERS to our Chicago team, and THANK YOU for all for your dedication and commitment to our clients. 

Putting Fun Into Work— All For A Great Cause

FSO employees come together to celebrate National Cheese Day!

Good Morning Folks,

It is said, "The way your employees feel is the way your customers will feel. And if your employees don't feel valued, neither will your customers." At FSO, we are providing great new programs and initiatives for YOU, our employees.

We had a great time celebrating National Pizza Day at HQ last week! In April we celebrated both National Beer Day and National Grilled Cheese Day! As you can see, we had quite the celebration here at FSG HQ. The café was set up with Grilled Cheese toasters and assorted CHEESE!!! We had an amazing turn out packed with directors, managers, and employees from the field. It was a blast, everyone loved it.

FSO employees "loafing" around in four easy steps: 

1) Choose slices from the Rye, Wheat or White loaves, 2) Choose a cheese 

3) Melt in the sandwich press 4) Repeat for someone less fortunate

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Best of all, we turned this national celebration into an act of philanthropy! We packed a take-out bag and took to the street to give the leftover grilled cheese to the homeless of NYC.

I really enjoy these events where we can bring our staff together, it’s always a great time. Thank you Chelsea and People Solutions for your support in making FSG a great company. I personally enjoyed being in the café connecting with everyone. 

We invite the local field staff to come join us for these events any time. Be sure to check our Employee Relations Calendar for more of our upcoming events!

On behalf of the leadership team, to all of our employees reading this right now, I’d like to THANK YOU for what YOU do every day and the contribution YOU are making in helping FSO deliver to our promise, grow and be the Best Place to Work.

I look forward to seeing all of you soon in my travels.

Mitchell D. Weiner
Chief Happiness Officer

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“Don't ever give up. Don't ever give in. Don't ever stop trying. 

Don't ever sell out. And if you find yourself succumbing to one of the above for a brief moment, pick yourself up, brush yourself off, whisper a prayer, and start where you left off. But never, ever, ever give up.”  

~~ Richelle E. Goodrich  Author

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