Are your employees enjoying their work—or just going through the motions? What if a fun work culture could boost both morale and performance?
In this episode, leadership expert Phil Geldart shares how bringing genuine, meaningful fun into the workplace can transform team dynamics, engagement, and productivity. For leaders facing resistance or a need for change, this episode offers actionable insights to create a more engaging and motivated environment.
Listen in to discover:
- Practical ways to incorporate fun that enhances learning and productivity.
- The four essential steps to inspire lasting behavioral change in the workplace.
- How respecting employees as adults can unlock higher performance and genuine enjoyment.
Don’t wait—hit play now to start building a workplace where people truly enjoy bringing their best selves to work!
Building a Fun Work Culture: Lessons and Strategies
00:00 – 01:12 | Recognizing Resistance to Change
Phil discusses how employees often resist change, especially if they’re used to certain routines or leadership styles. This reluctance isn’t malicious—it’s human nature. Discover why a fun work culture can play a key role in encouraging openness to change.
02:52 – 04:05 | Early Lessons in Leadership
Phil recalls his first leadership experience as a camp counselor, where he learned the value of making tasks enjoyable. By turning activities into games, he discovered the power of a fun work culture to engage and motivate his group.
10:49 – 12:11 | Experiential Learning as a Pathway to Growth
In this memorable story, Phil explains how using games in training can bridge the gap between theory and practice, leading to genuine learning and engagement. His approach to building a fun work culture has helped organizations boost team performance and morale.
13:55 – 14:56 | Results-Driven Fun
Phil connects the dots between fun at work and achieving results. He emphasizes that creating a fun work culture doesn’t mean ignoring outcomes—instead, it aligns people’s natural motivations with the company’s goals, fostering both enjoyment and accountability.
20:51 – 22:30 | Avoiding the “Cringe” Factor in Fun
David and Phil discuss the difference between genuine fun and forced “cringe” activities. Here, Phil shares insights on creating an authentic work culture that aligns with employees’ true interests rather than relying on artificial or obligatory activities.
Leadership Practices for a Thriving Culture
22:30 – 24:21 | Simple Exercise for Leadership Growth
Phil introduces a powerful tool for leaders: ask your team, “What do I need to do to be a better leader?” This question builds trust and creates a foundation for a fun work culture by showing employees that their voices matter.
32:21 – 33:40 | Genuine Friendliness as a Value
In his own company, Phil has embraced “genuine friendliness” as a core value, emphasizing that a truly fun work culture starts with leaders who respect and care about their employees as individuals.
35:08 – 36:36 | Overcoming Barriers to Fun at Work
Phil shares a story of a CEO who misunderstood laughter in the break room as a lack of seriousness. This anecdote highlights common barriers to a fun work culture and underscores the importance of leadership self-awareness.
41:13 – 42:18 | The Impact of Caring Leaders
Phil recounts an experience with a former boss who canceled his entire afternoon to discuss Phil’s career goals. This genuine care and attention helped shape Phil’s approach to leadership and fostered a lasting commitment to building a fun work culture.
45:30 – 46:56 | How Leaders Can Build Trust and Engagement
Phil explains that a fun work culture requires leaders to respect employees as adults and encourage authentic engagement. He advises leaders to reflect on whether they’re creating an environment where people feel valued and excited to contribute.
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