After seeing hundreds of keynote speeches and gazillions (is that a number?) of motivational speakers, I can save you the time and tell you three reasons why NOT to hire one.

1. Your company president is probably just as funny, has really great stories that make relevant points, and knows how to keep the audience on the edge of their seats. Really. I’m sure he’s great.

2. Why bother?! You could just Google some great motivational quotes or something and have Duane from accounting read them. He has a loud voice and won’t even need a microphone. And you can spend the money you save on bigger cookies. (And besides, you’ll make Duane feel great!)

3. Motivation Schmotivation. People will do what they want at the pace they want. And that’s that. You can’t change yourself, and you can’t change others. So why not save the headache and watch a Bay Watch re-run?

Ok people. In case you haven’t noticed by now I’m joking. There’s a famous comparison between motivation and showers: just because you’re clean once doesn’t mean you’ll never need another shower.

We all need regular doses of motivation: and outside paid professional speakers are able to deliver tried and true messages in a way your internal folks will never be able too.  They can deliver crucial info — stuff your organization already knows — in a fresh way that makes them want to get up and go.   Let’s face it:  your people already have the skills and knowledge to succeed and excel.  But they aren’t succeeding or excelling.  Why?  Lack of motivation.

I’m as tired of crappy motivational speakers as you are. But when  your group is ready for a pick me up, give the president a pass and hire a pro.

Hey, I’ve got an idea. Hire me! Go to the contact page.

Brad Montgomery
Motivational Speaker, Comedian, Genuine Funny Humorous Speaker

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What do you think? Am I crazy?

What do YOU think makes a prank office safe / corporate safe?

Would YOU ever do this at your office? Think this would count as a “safe office practical joke?” Comment! I dare ya!

How far can YOU go with practical jokes at your office?

I’ve written a little on practical jokes that work well in the office.  All depends on your boss and her sense of humor, and your intentions.  My magic rule is:  If this practical joke will hurt somebody’s feelings, it’s likely to get you a trip to HR.  Pass on it and keep your job.  And your friends.

When people tease you, (and play safe practical jokes on you) it can make you feel special…a part of the team…one of the “cool” kids, you know. Teasing is harmless, in perspective, and can work wonders for office morale. If people don’t tease you, it may be that they don’t trust you enough to let their guard down. Office pranks can (oddly enough) can make others feel good – “Hey, if they did this to me, they must think I’m one of the popular kids!” 

Intentions count.  If, when you tease or joke on people, if you come from a place of friendship and joy — then you’re probably good to go.  If you’re ticked off at the victim — or hate their slimy guts — you’re officially advised abstain in order to prevent that “little talk” with your boss. 

What is the BEST office prank that you’ve ever pulled or one you’ve ever witnessed? Were you the mastermind or the accomplice? Send me your best office prank comment and the most innovative prankster will win one of my books. If a photo accompanies your comment, I’ll post it on the blog and send you an audio. How cool is that?

Come on, tell me, what’s the slyest thing you’ve ever pulled at the office?

Humor in the workplace? You can count on it if your from a company I recently worked for in Kentucky.

(I’m gonna leave their name off this post, because this idea is a tiny bit.. er …near the edge, if not way past it.)

Ok, so here’s the story: A guy at this Kentucky company orders a gift for his wife, and in order to keep the gift secret from his bride he had the gift sent to work. Then he forgot it about it, and left for a vacation.)

A few days later the gift arrives at work in a plane brown box. This is where the office practical joke comes in.

One of this guy’s co-workers printed up the sign you see. (I thought it was so funny I took a photo of it.)

It reads:

THE MAN PUMP
We Help Pump You Up
Self Enlargement Pump

And then it listed an address.

After attaching this home-made label to the box, they passed it around the office, had some laughs, and left it on the guy’s desk for him to find upon his return.

I think for some people ‘d1 and for some offices ‘d1 this would be WAY past the line. In fact, as funny as I thought it was, I’d recommend that you don’t steal this idea, unless you’re eager to look for a new job.

But for this guy, and this company, and at this time, it was a hilarious and creative practical joke for the office. Because of this creative joke, they bumped their morale, shared some laughs, and cemented their “team.”

Again… don’t do it. It’s a bad idea. But darn! It cracked me up!

Looking for some seminars or speaker to come and boost the morale of your team (and you don’t want to get fired doing it?) Click here.

Cheers,

Brad Montgomery
Motivational Keynote Speaker, Humorist, Humor in the Workplace Consultant