The Hump Day Humor-Gram,  September 26, 2007    Issue Number 231
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1. Are You Working in a Firm of Endearment? 

In the excellent, must-read book, “Firms of Endearment”, authors 
Sisodia, Sheth and Wolfe offer an inspirational look at companies 
that seriously consider their place in the world, with the view 
that private corporations should be contributing in a positive way 
to the planet. Yes, of course companies create jobs, fuel the 
economy and pay taxes, but what they’re suggesting is an even 
deeper connection to society, from being totally responsible 
environmental stewards to good global citizens to good companies
to work for. And these companies are doing these great things 
not just because it boosts their sales or enhances their image, 
but, wait for it. . .because it’s also the right thing to do! 

It’s a phrase I rarely hear these days. Even when talking
about topics such as creating a positive work environment, 
I often hear senior leaders wax on about the benefits to the 
old bottom line, but rarely, if ever, do I hear them simply 
suggest that it’s also the right thing to do!  

“Firms of Endearment” also suggests that these truly inspiring 
workplaces all have one thing in common. They all focus 
relentlessly on workplace culture. Culture. Culture.
Culture. Culture. Oh yes, and then there’s culture. And of 
course, it goes without saying, that all of these firms of 
endearment celebrate a culture of FUN! 
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2. Mike's Fun at Work Tip  

If you want to strengthen your funny bone and help you and your
teammates de-stress, then start a shared resource list of 
recommended sitcoms, comedies and humorous books. 
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3. Deep Thought of the Week 

“If a person tries to fail and succeeds, which did they do?”
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4. It's a Wacky, Wacky, World  

Here’s the perfect gift for that cubicle-dwelling employee
who has everything (well, everything but an actual office): 
the Cubicaller! Yup, it’s a doorbell designed specifically for 
cubicles. According to the makers of the Cubicaller, it’s fun, 
it’s cool, and it’s less annoying than having coworkers barge in.  
(The downside, I suppose, is that you’ll start to get visits from
those nice Avon ladies. . .) 
     
Happy Hump day everyone! Remember, as someone very profound once
said, life is too short not to wear silly hats from time to time. 
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Copyright Michael Kerr, 2007. mike@mikekerr.com  www.mikekerr.com