High fives, a simple way to add some culture to your organisation

Have you heard about cageball?
No matter, it's a form of indoor football..
I coordinate a group of people who have been meeting up to play on a weekly basis for the last bunch of years.
We ar not alone, 7 fields next to each other, there are a lot of people that get some small doses of social interactions along with exercise there on a weekly basis.

A couple of years ago, I started forcing everybody that played with us to give me a high-five. “good game”, “That was fun”, “Thanks for the match”, That last goal… wow!”
-smalltalk, but honest.

Over time, it has become a thing, we all do it, after every game. But only a couple weeks ago did I actually realise the effects it has.

We have this strange thing, that many companies strive for years to attain. It is a positive culture.

There are some “hang-arounds” at the venue. They literally hang around and hope that they get to play along with any of the groups that pay for time on of of the fields. So if my group suddenly needs some players, it is easy to ask some of the hang-arounds to play with us. Needless to say, some of these hang-arounds are not only way too good, but they also play with very many different groups.

A few weeks ago a player told me “wow, I really like playing with you guys, you are all… nice”. That person had played with all of the other groups that are regulars there on Tuesdays, but preferred playing with us (even though we are technical level of playing the game is hardly elite) just because of the vibe we share and the culture we have developed.

Will starting to give people high-fives solve all of your companies problems?
-No, but starting to see your team might also influence them to start seeing each other.

So congratulations, you now have insight on the potential effects of the not so secret ancient art of the high five.
Now, feel free to go out in the world and pass out some high five!

PS.
Do you use MailChimp?
If so, remember to high-five the chimp when you get a confirmation that you have sendt an email. It opens the Fast Fives Game!
Is the game great, well no but it is fun.
And guess what, providing a good service, but also a fun experience is both good for your customers, but also creates a sense of pride in your employees.

High Five!