Field Notes Inside an Integrated Communications Agency

We, the Capstrat Web Producers, were greeted with a delightful surprise this morning.

The Capstrat Developers hosted us our own 'producer party' complete with a thoughtful (though quirky and some might say inappropriate) card, two bigger-than-life balloons, a cuddly, stuffed animal unicorn, a fist-sized Hershey Kiss and three dozen red roses. And these were not just any balloons - they were sparkly, shiny unicorn and dragonfly balloons!

All of this to show their love. And we try to do the same for them, by showering them with lunches and snacks and goodies. When the hours get long (as they have been lately), it's nice to know that the respect and adoration we have for the developers is mutual.

Thanks, guys, for being totally awesome!

Granted, we’re not five anymore. And true, no one gives me allowance for doing my daily or weekly chores. But, don’t you miss that little easy-to-accomplish responsibility? Don’t you miss the kudos from Mom and Dad (and the quarter they placed in your hand) after you dusted off all the shelves?

Sometimes, in the hectic daily schedule of meetings, strategies brainstorms and budgets, I want something mindless to do. I want a task that I can do with others, have simple conversation and step back and say, ‘Yep, I did that. And I did it well.’

So, friends and coworkers – I propose chores. Capstrat chores.

 Here’s how it may work:

1. You all break into teams, based on the number of chore categories.
2. You name your team, because it’s fun and improves the experience.
3. There’s a chore jar, or some means to ‘pick’ your team’s chore for the week.
4. And then, imagine this, for 15 minutes on one day each week, you get your team together and do your chores. Ok, more like 5 minutes in some cases.
5. You feel great. You stepped away from your desk and escaped the hustle and bustle. You chatted it up with your team, unfroze your brain and did something good.

 Proposed chores:

1. Lint brushing the conference room chairs. (It’s about time! Admit it - they can be kind of gross.)
2. Transporting the white paper from around the office into the appropriate recycling bin.
3. Unloading the dishwasher.
4. Straightening the kitchen and media bar.
5. Wiping down all the conference rooms tables with Lysol wipes.
6. Passing out wipes to everyone to clean their desk areas. (Come on, you know we share germs far too often!)

The possibilities are endless. Personally, I would welcome the opportunity to have a chore or two. Will you?