Leader, is it time to eat pie?

When I started in IT, one of the companies I worked for approved my recommendation to introduce pieing. And I don't mean software, technical or mathematical terms. I mean a real pie. 🥧

After a particularly intensive few weeks of coding, we had a series of unfortunate events which accumulated to a systems crash, where we lost weeks of work. Until then, the staff lived on Jolt cola (unadulterated caffeine disguised as soda) mixed with short tempers and downright hostility. Add to the situation that one of the company leaders was a micro-managing pain in the gluteus maximus. 

Mutiny and rioting were the "secret" words buzzing in the pit. Two head developers wrote their resignations and carried them in their khaki cargo pants pocket, consistently mumbling, "Today's the day!"

While working in the debugging unit, I was also learning about HR. During that time, we reviewed how HR professionals could use their skills to improve the work environment.  

I had hosted similar experiences with youth groups and their leaders, to tremendous success and thought, what's the harm?

The CEO agreed and gave all staff the extraordinary opportunity to personally deliver a whipped cream pie into the face of any manager they chose. 

Coolwhip brought laughter and joy to our workplace, and the lightheartedness and camaraderie also served a greater purpose. We decided to turn this fun-filled event into a charity fundraiser, and boy, did we generate a lot of money! 🎉

We needed a legit reason to pie the prick!

If I close my eyes, I can still see the glee-filled smiles on the employees' faces as they rubbed their plates in some of the manager's faces. The powerful gesture broke down barriers and kept many programmers out of jail. 

By the end of the event, you could quickly tell who pissed off the most people!

Now, here's a thought-provoking question for all the leaders out there: would you be willing to take a pie in the face to boost morale within your team? 🤔

I know what you might be thinking - it sounds messy, unconventional and below the status your dignified position in the company affords you. But sometimes, it is precisely these out-of-the-box initiatives that bring us closer together as humans. It's a path toward regaining that essential human connection that seems to disappear in our disconnected and disparaging ideas about each other.

So, why not give it a try? Allow your staff to pie you and watch the magic unfold. Trust me, the memories created and the bonds formed far outweigh any temporary messiness. Embrace the unexpected because this is not just about tossing pies - it's about fostering a culture of connection and belonging with a nanoscopic touch of revenge.

Let's hear your thoughts! Would you be open to the idea of being pied by your team? Please share your views and discuss how unconventional initiatives like this can revolutionize workplace dynamics. 🗣️💬

See you sooner than you think, from a flawed girl philosopher.