You have to be careful. A few companies, such as Southwest Airlines, are famed for their fun or informal atmospheres. Most often, they are led by chief executives who make play as much a priority as work. But increasingly, other corporations are open to the message that laughter boosts morale, builds teamwork, releases creativity and even improves one's health. At an appearance before hundreds of Pacific Bell managers, California humor consultant Matt Weinstein asks how many in the audience are depressed.
Hands fly into the air.
Then he roams the stage, pitching the benefits of laughter like a frenzied minister preaching salvation. He asks the audience to stand up and introduce themselves to six others in half a minute, prompting a giggling scramble throughout the room. We give them an experience of fun in the room at the time so people get permission to start laughing and having joy. In her seminars, Mikki Williams uses Play-doh to loosen up participants. Lynn Berger of Longwood, Fla.-based Lighten Up Ltd. wears duck and dog snouts during her talks and urges her audiences to sport them too.