The Hump Day Humor-Gram, 	September 7, 2005 Issue Number 143

In this issue . . . 

Hello everyone, we're back! Bigger and better than ever!
Well not really . . .we're pretty much the same size, and 
probably no better than we've ever been. But we are 
back . . .and still 100% cholesterol-free!    

1. Nice Managers Finish First 
2. Mike's Fun at Work Tip
3. Quote of the Week  
4. It's a Wacky, Wacky World
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1. Nice Managers Finish First  

According to a study from two professors in the 
U.S., top-performing companies are led by CEOs 
who inspire loyalty and affection from their 
employees, rather than fear. The more humane they 
were, the better their companies did, and by a 
substantial margin. And what better way for managers
to show their humanity and humility than by tapping 
into that most human of all characteristics, their 
sense of humor! 
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2. Mike's Fun at Work Tip 

According to the CEO of Umpqua Bank (an Oregon-based 
community bank), the key to having fun is to "get corny"  
and focus on the customers' needs. The banks have been
known to bring in ice cream and sandwich trucks for
customers, while some branches keep dog bowls full of
water outside for their customers' dogs. To help
make sure the customers enjoy the experience of going to 
the bank, each branch is given a special fund solely for 
the purpose of engaging customers in a fun way.  
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3. Quote of the Week 

"You can't have everything. Where would you put it?" 
Stephen Wright 
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4. It's a Wacky, Wacky World

Researchers at M.I.T. are developing a "Jerk-O-Meter":
software that will analyze a person's speech pattern and 
tone of voice on cell phones, and then rate their level of 
engagement in the call. Watch out telemarketers . . .  

Happy Hump Day one and all!   
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Copyright Michael Kerr, 2005  mailto:mike@mikekerr.com     
Reach Michael at 1-866-609-2640 or surf him up at 
http://www.MikeKerr.com. 

Check out Michael's latest book, What's So Funny 
About Alberta? At http://www.whatssofunnyaboutalberta.com