Go from boring to roaring

In a classic "Peanuts" cartoon, Charlie Brown says to Lucy, "I have a great fear of being boring." Then in the next panel, Charlie says, "I also have a great fear of being bored." Finally, Charlie turns to Lucy and asks, "What's the most bored you've ever been?" And Lucy answers, "Besides right now?"

We have all faced boredom at one time or another. Routine tasks become drudgery. We need a change of scenery before we climb the walls. It gets harder and harder to get out of a rut.

My good friend Lou Holtz says, "If you're bored with life — you don't get up every morning with a burning desire to do things — you don't have enough goals."

Don't run the risk of being satisfied with the status quo if the status quo means same old, same old.

Advertising genius David Ogilvy famously said, "Nobody ever sold anybody anything by boring them to death."

I couldn't agree more. I always wrap up my speeches by saying, "Don't be boring! Don't be predictable!" Don't ever pick up the phone again and call a client or a customer without having a sharp or humorous substantive opening and an idea how you are going to end the conversation. Don't give just another gift; make it surprising. Make it a WOW! Don't ever send another letter out without giving it a lot of thought.

Conquering boredom and being creative often involves releasing your inner child. Newspaper columnist Lu Hanessian notes there is a strong, scientifically proven connection between positive childhood experiences — imagination, creativity, play time and reflection — and overall health in adulthood.

That's another argument for incorporating some fun into work.

"Humor can make a serious difference. In the workplace, at home, in all areas of life — looking for a reason to laugh is necessary," said Steve Goodier, founder of Life Support System. "A sense of humor helps us to get through the dull times, cope with the difficult times, enjoy the good times and manage the scary times."

Every organization has jobs that are necessary but boring. It can be tough to do those jobs.

Think of it this way: How many times do you open the refrigerator door over and over, hoping that something amazing will appear? And when it doesn't, imagine how that compromises motivation to perform. Show your gratitude for the people who do the jobs that you wouldn't care to do.

Acknowledge up front that the work isn't very exciting, but explain why it's important. Emphasize how employees' work helps other people — co-workers, customers and so forth. Give them a little leeway to make that job fun while still remaining professional.

And who knows? Those suggestions might be just the inspiration your organization needs to go from boring to roaring to soaring!

Mackay's Moral: Before a bore becomes a chore or even a snore, think more about what you're in business for!