What do we want? Inspired, engaged employees! When do we want it? As soon as human(resource)ly possible! 

Congratulations! Joining the ranks of Manager is a big deal. Ready or not, you've accepted a gig that puts you in charge and also pins a target to your back. Don't worry! You can avoid the "Kick Me!" sign with the help of a few solid tips. 

For many of us, winter has been long and at the risk of sounding dramatic, a wee bit brutal.  Between the treacherous commutes on snow-covered highways and mornings beginning with a frosted windshield, it’s understandable that the winter blues can make some shoulders slump around the office.  But spring is officially here and summer is a-comin’! It’s time to drive away whatever is left of the cold weather depression that plagues your team, with awesome events and team-building activities. Try one of these out-of-the-box ideas with your work peeps to help improve collaboration and encourage team unity:

Flash back to your high school years.  You’re sitting in class listening to your teacher drone on about isotopes, when you hear the words, “group project.”  Naturally your stomach lurches at the thought of this upcoming assignment. You can already feel the fatigue from having to pull more than your fair share of the workload and are already dreading the inevitable personality conflicts that will ensue. 

If International Day of Awesomeness isn’t something to celebrate, then I don’t know what is.  Rumor has it, this quirky little holiday was created in honor of Chuck Norris’ birthday, but I’m choosing to believe it began because it’s the day our brilliant Marketing Coordinator, Audrey was born ( birthdays are kind of a big deal around here).