Our “Go for Broke” game board, with instructions and incentives for fixing anything that needed fixed.
After the rush of holiday business at our store, I decided to get everyone (all 5 of us) involved in cleaning up, fixing up and sprucing up. So I tried playing “Go For Broke.” (I remembered reading about a version of this game in Paul Hawken’s book, Growing a Business.)
I took the little cork board and covered it in money: $5 bills, $10 bills, and a few $20 bills. Then I posted an explanation:
- Find anything that needs to be fixed, cleaned or straightened
- Fix it
- Write a note with what you did
- Take the right bill for what the task was worth
I realize now that this is a bit of a small town idea. It’s based on the fact that I trusted everyone who worked here.
Once we got going, I listed a few tasks I’d noticed, like straightening up all the gift wrap supplies, dusting the silk flowers in the office, and cleaning the window frames inside and outside. (I should have done this right at first.)
How did it go? Here’s the project board mid-way through. Notice all the colored notes with completed tasks!
Together, we got good results.
Everyone pitched in and did at least a couple of things. A couple of people did lots. Most times, people took less money than I might have offered for a task, and they would combine several tasks together to add up. Lots of creative ideas came up as people looked for things that needed attention. It got everyone looking around the building with fresh eyes. On each note of accomplishment, I gave some encouragement. Bigger tasks got more encouragement. When even bigger ideas came out, I added a couple of $50 bills.
My friend and coach Rob Hatch said it was a way of establishing the culture. I just thought it was fun, and it worked. As we get ready for the holidays this year, I’ll be posting a new version with all new tasks to get us in shape for the big rush to come.
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Becky started Small Biz Survival in 2006 to share rural business and community building stories and ideas with other small town business people. She and her husband have a small cattle ranch and are lifelong entrepreneurs. Becky is an international speaker on small business and rural topics.
That’s a rather interesting game that can really encourage more employees to help out in the little tasks in the workplace. It can decrease boredom while increasing initiative. However, honesty is a very important factor here. I may even suggest this at our workplace.
Ivan, if you try it out, let us know how it goes!
Fun idea, Becky and an ingenious way to get employees involved. How do you think it affected your business other than completing some needed projects?
I read Growing a Business (excellent book) and I don’t remember that game!
Jay, my hope is that it does influence the culture of our team, just a bit. For a time, there was a lot of conflict within the team, and this changed perceptions, I think.
And maybe I’m remembering the wrong book. I know I read it years ago!