Don’t Miss These Lessons about Engagement & Culture from Mary Poppins

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I have a signed poster from the show, Mary Poppins, hanging in my office. I saw the show on Broadway a few years ago and absolutely loved it. Something about the upbeat songs and the story of transformation and change is very appealing. It also reminded me of the very popular movie that I watched over and over again as a child.

It occurred tome recently that Mary Poppins is the ultimate culture change expert. Let’s see what we can learn from her to help with boosting engagement and creating a positive culture.

Just a Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

In organizations today, team members and leaders are dealing with what could be compared to “harsh tasting medicine” in the form of financial cutbacks, rampant change and the challenge of being connected 24/7. If we take Mary Poppin’s advice, we would be wise to add a spoon full of sugar. The “sugar” I’m talking about includes open communication, open-mindedness & generosity. Imagine if every leader & employee in every organization added a spoonful of these elements to their interactions with others all day long at work.

Let’s Go Fly a Kite

It’s springtime! Take a few minutes during your workday to go outside to fly your proverbial kite. Look up at the beautiful blue sky, enjoy the blossoming foliage, take a moment to listen to the birds (if you work at night – enjoy the moon and quiet time). You deserve a healthy dose of Mother Nature on a regular basis. Don’t say “I don’t have time” because that’s just not true. Make it a priority to get outside every day.

I Love to Laugh

Remember the scene in the movie when Bert, Mary, Uncle Albert and the kids all get together for tea? Things quickly fall apart and they end up on the ceiling howling with laughter. What can you do at work to lighten up and have more fun? Let go of old resentments, quit taking things personally, stop keeping score and HAVE SOME FUN! It will be okay if you do – in fact it’s a great way to create more WOWs at work.

Mary Poppins is truly a role model for being the Chief Paradise Officer of her job. Go and watch the movie again and you’ll learn all about positive culture change and engagement. Now that’s Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!