The ninth core value that I'm going to talk about in this year-long series is one that is near and dear to my heart. It is because it is one of our regional association — MiPPA, the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association - one of our core values. You'll read it on the masthead of our MiPPA Monthly newsletter. It's spelled out on our meeting agenda template and on our Strategic Plan. It reminds our board and our members that while we're serious about our work and our industry, we're going to have fun doing it.
In our serious world of business, the term "core values" often brings to mind phrases like integrity, innovation, and teamwork. However, there's one core value that might not get as much attention but has proven to be a driving force behind the success of several companies – fun. Yes, you read that right. Fun, often associated with leisure and relaxation, has found its place as a pivotal aspect of corporate culture in various forward-thinking organizations.
MiPPA's adjectives: Connected and Tuned-in, Dependable, Fun, Imaginative, Optimistic. Our Mission: MiPPA is dedicated to providing fun experiences and educational exchanges for suppliers and distributors to build promotional professionals and increase industry awareness.
By making Fun a stated core value, we do some serious work without ever taking ourselves too seriously. Every event, experience, education must be fun. It's who we are.
Values-based life- sounds so serious! But, it is not. Values only indicate what we place importance on. Fun can also be a core value in our lives and our organizations. Because we value fun. Most of us want to have fun, but it doesn’t seem to be as simple as it once was. We should create time for enjoyment and possibly elevate it.
Make resolutions. Identify specific acts that will improve happiness. Here are some examples of some companies a little bigger than MiPPA and how they have made Fun one of their core values:
Red Bull, the energy drink giant, is a prime example of how integrating fun into a company's DNA can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Founded in 1987, Red Bull has cultivated a culture centered around extreme sports and adventure. From hosting extreme sports events like Red Bull Stratos, where Felix Baumgartner jumped from the stratosphere, to funding athletes and adventurers, the company has successfully merged its product with a lifestyle that resonates with its target audience.
The company's "work hard, play hard" philosophy is evident in its offices as well. Red Bull's offices around the world are known for their vibrant and dynamic environments, featuring recreational spaces, lounges, and even indoor sports facilities. This approach not only fosters creativity and collaboration but also ensures that employees genuinely enjoy coming to work each day.
Google, now a synonym for innovation, has also embraced fun as a core value from the beginning. The company's unofficial motto, "Don't be evil," reflects its commitment to doing good while maintaining a playful and unconventional spirit. Googleplex, the company's headquarters, is designed with quirky interiors, offering amenities such as gaming areas, nap pods, and even slides connecting different floors.
The concept of "20% time" at Google allows employees to dedicate a portion of their work hours to pursuing projects of personal interest. This practice has led to the creation of some of Google's most successful products, including Gmail and Google News. By encouraging employees to explore their passions and experiment, Google demonstrates how fun can drive innovation and business growth.
Zappos, the online shoe and clothing retailer, has revolutionized customer service by embedding fun and personality into every interaction. The company's core values, which include "Create Fun and a Little Weirdness," highlight its commitment to making customers' experiences enjoyable and memorable. Zappos encourages its employees to embrace their unique personalities and connect with customers on a personal level, even if it means engaging in unconventional conversations.
One famous example of Zappos' commitment to fun is the "Zappos Culture Book," a compilation of employee stories, experiences, and anecdotes that showcase the company's vibrant and lighthearted culture. This book is a testament to how Zappos values its employees' voices and celebrates their individuality.
Embracing fun as a core value reminds us that joy and success can coexist. It's clear that those that dare to be a little "weird" and prioritize enjoyment alongside productivity are the ones that truly stand out. I'm serious - Go have some fun!
Paul Kiewiet MAS+ is an industry speaker, writer, consultant and coach. He serves as the executive director of MiPPA. Kiewiet was inducted into the PPAI Hall of Fame and the MiPPA Hall of Fame. He served as Chairman of PPAI in 2007. A former distributor, he founded Promotion Concepts, Inc in 1982 and worked with some of America’s most valuable brands including Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, and Whirlpool.