Some tasks may seem dull, but they’re essential—think testing software, posting invoices, counting votes, or reconciling accounts. As leaders, it’s easy to rely on authority to push these through, but there might be a better way. A way that works if we take responsibility to make unexciting work more engaging for our teams.
By understanding our people and their challenges, we can help turn mundane tasks into something more enjoyable. Here are a few approaches to consider:
- Gamification
Turn software testing into a game. Award points for finding bugs and track progress with a leaderboard. This adds competition and fun to the task. - Contests
Create a friendly competition in the finance team. The person who reconciles the most accurate accounts in a week wins a small prize. It drives engagement. - Rewards and Recognition
Acknowledge routine tasks with small rewards, like gift cards or public recognition. This shows people their efforts matter. - Celebrate Wins
After completing a tedious project, celebrate with a team lunch or a shout-out in a meeting. Small celebrations can boost morale.
There are many more ways to make boring tasks fun—what matters is that we take ownership of the problem and find creative solutions to keep our teams motivated.
