A group of teachers I work with at the Regional Professional Development Center, the Teacher's Academy, met at the Lake of the Ozarks to hear guest speaker John Antonetti. John is a pleasure to listen to, he puts laughter smack in the middle of mind bloggling work, making us think deeply and question our thinking and those of the folks around us in a way that brings new knowledge and better ways of thinking. Even though I knew we were in for a treat, I wanted to make the day even more special but not over-the-top embarrassing. That's where Oriental Trading came in to help!
Before the teachers arrived, I took a bunch of leis (decorated in Mardi Gras colors) and placed one at each of their seats. In the middle I scattered a bunch of Hershey chocolates, too. There is an increasing body of research suggesting that fun at work leading to "a significant increase in the level of employee trust, creativity and communication -- leading to lower turnover, higher morale and a stronger bottom line."
What I didn't anticipate was the complete joy that this group of teachers found in the simple act of a Mardi Gras lei. There were giggles and smiles, and many wore them all day long. Our speaker even got into the act with us! I want to consider other opportunities where I can purchase a lei for my friends, colleagues and neighbors!
