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You know the saying, "Mandatory fun is never fun." But how can we make it really fun so that the saying will be "mandatory fun is always fun"?
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Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 13
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Although mandatory fun seems to be no fun, I have found that once people show up, many people change their attitudes. People are the most important part of enjoying your job, and if you don't like the event, or the mandatory part of it, as long as you enjoy the company, it makes everything much easier.
I think also forcing people to get to know each other outside of work is important. You can still maintain professionalism but you get to see a different side of people, which can help unit cohesiveness.
I think also forcing people to get to know each other outside of work is important. You can still maintain professionalism but you get to see a different side of people, which can help unit cohesiveness.
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SFC (Join to see)
I agree completely. Most Soldiers will find a way to enjoy themselves no matter what the situation may be. case and point: throwing gravel at the port-a-potty that their buddy is in.
My unit's were relatively small, so we were able to accomplish more during these moments, but from a leadership standpoint mandatory fun had a completely different point than "esprit de corps". that purpose was to identify problem soldiers or seeing potential in them. the majority of your group will do as the Major said, once they get there a frisbee or a ball will be picked up and everything is good. those Soldiers who spend a majority of the time complaining that they have to be there likely have such a poisonous attitude all the time. those soldiers who can convince those persistent poisonous ones to play along or get out of their crappy attitude are future leaders. Seeing your Soldiers relaxed tells you just as much as when you see them wired tight.
My unit's were relatively small, so we were able to accomplish more during these moments, but from a leadership standpoint mandatory fun had a completely different point than "esprit de corps". that purpose was to identify problem soldiers or seeing potential in them. the majority of your group will do as the Major said, once they get there a frisbee or a ball will be picked up and everything is good. those Soldiers who spend a majority of the time complaining that they have to be there likely have such a poisonous attitude all the time. those soldiers who can convince those persistent poisonous ones to play along or get out of their crappy attitude are future leaders. Seeing your Soldiers relaxed tells you just as much as when you see them wired tight.
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By not using the word mandatory.
There are so many things that are mandatory. We need to stop and see if something actually makes sense before we say, yes let's have a function that is necessary for everyone to be at.
There are so many things that are mandatory. We need to stop and see if something actually makes sense before we say, yes let's have a function that is necessary for everyone to be at.
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LTC (Join to see)
Agreed! I think time off for Soldiers to be with their families is way more important. Forcing folks to hang out with each other on their "off" time doesn't make a team. Leadership while at work does. Not saying that you shouldn't do cookouts, etc but don't make them mandatory!
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