Morale Improvement

I talk about things I did to improve morale on my teams.

Videos I reference:

[claypetrosky]

Do you happen to have that cinnamon bread recipe 👀

[PauloRogerioDePinho]

So, morale building is human beings doing human things together

[shawnaroo]

Years ago I was working at an architecture firm with about 20 people, and one Friday I brought in a cake that I had made as a baking experiment and shared it with anyone who wanted some. And someone who enjoyed it offered to bring one in the next week, and so Cake Friday was born. After a few months of that, we decided we'd do pancakes for one Friday instead of regular cakes, and during that someone suggested we rename it "Carbs Friday" and so we did, and that significantly expanded the range of foods that could be included. But either way it was a good time and pulled together a bunch of people who generally didn't interact much despite working in the same office.

[decode.]

You see? That's how it's done. Now it's all "Come to te office! Let's bond. We're not a team, we're a family!" ... blech

[Drudenfusz]

Food is indeed a great morale boost. There is a reason why I think table top roleplaying evenings should also start with a meal with all the players getting slowly to fade out their daily life and get into the spirit of experiencing something awesome with friends.

[karpette]

As a french guy, I feel like that nice food is a kinda good cheat code for morale

[Gumpy]

Moral of the story : pet dogs and eat chocolate

[rhinosaur]

Thank you so much Tim! this is exactly what i was hoping for in your advice. :) i really appreciate you taking the time to answer :)

[deltapi]

"Play Super Nintendo Games and DnD or Gurps" ... That sounds like the most amazing time ever.

[lhfirex]

I've had so many bad leaders across different jobs. It sounds like Tim would be one of the best. These morale builders are great ways to engage people since he's reaching out to people and doing things without forcing anything on them.

[willrunfun]

Tim is the person who brings in chocolate and cinnamon bread. Ok in my book.

[claypetrosky]

I love that this video extends past the bounds of game development as well

[dennislarsen]

One morale building thing i have great experience with, is the "mandatory" coffee break! It caught a lot of Flak during the latest "efficiency" wave, but meeting up for coffee and a talk at 09:15, after emails have been read and days have been planned takes care of a butload of coordinating and often people will talk about stuff they are excited about or frustrated about, get some feedback and be ready to get going... Also a great place for the boss to feel the mood and set the stage for... Whatever is going on...

[pretzelthedude]

Not even maybe- EVERY example here is 1000x better than most companies that live by the motto "beatings will continue until morale improves" 😂

[theamazingbatboy]

Terrific video, with some excellent insights in how to encourage de-stressing and relaxed communication through informal exchanges. Staff dinners after a hard night at the Japanese restaurant I worked as my first job are some of my fondest work memories ever, even though it was hectic and poorly paid. It was in that moment, sharing a beer with workmates around the Teppanyaki while the scary-ass chef now cooks your dinner for you, you feel part a sort of family.

[simeon]

What a beautiful video. How you guessed the plot of Chinese films or became regulars at a pizza place. Humorous, heartwarming, and ordinary yet special.

[bartscrush]

I love your videos. Even though I do not work in the games industry I can learn many things from your years of wisdom.

[bratttn]

how to make people come to work at earlier hours? with a loaf of freshly baked cinnamon bread.

[nathanrye]

Mr. Cain, I love Fallout 1 and 2 so much. Thanks for inspiring and entertaining us with your ingenious work

[karamzing]

I think snack breaks and lunches are good for this. At my employers we've had "team days" where you work until noon, then have lunch, do some activity, have dinner, then bar afterwards -- and it's just too much and I have to escape at some point. When my boss asked me why I always leave the team days early, I said that I don't want to work overtime. He didn't understand, because he's not an introvert.