Assembling a team can be challenging when team members have different backgrounds, unique personal agendas, and unrelated methodologies. If it is difficult to get busy people to sit at the same table, it can be much more challenging to get a team emotionally centered. Here are 5 Cool Ideas to get teams started. Tweet
5 Cool Ideas for starting a team
1. A meaningful quote can provide solidarity and purpose.
We know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but what is a word worth? Well, a word can be invaluable if it helps center a team on a theme. A special word can unify and educate. Introduce a word every day and over time, people will increase their vocabularies. Share a combination of words like a quote or a song lyric to cultivate passion and a sense of team spirit.
2. Workers relate better when they learn about each other.
Elton Mayo, founder of the modern day Human Resources department, taught us that workers have a need to feel like they belong. A sense of belonging sets the stage for employee retention, loyalty and a general sense of espirit d’corp. Have team members share something about themselves that no one else knows. This process is fun and builds rapport like no other exercise.
People will offer the most interesting information as they try to entertain and make each other laugh and think. You can do this exercise every week for a month and it will never get old.
3. Have a look at the past.
Have everyone bring a childhood photo to work. Scan the photos into a presentation and have fun guessing who is who. Tell stories about the photos and enjoy each other as you discuss things that have nothing to do with work. Then, get down to business.
4. Group reading can establish work themes team and teach lessons.
Many work groups participate in book clubs. Team members come to work a half-hour early one day a week to discuss a book that everyone is reading. Take turns having everyone recommend a book.
5. Present one Cool Idea a day.
Get the ideas from my 5 Cool Ideas book series. Use the books to present one cool idea or a 5 Cool Ideas topic before every meeting. The idea should be related to the task at hand. Ideas will spark other ideas.
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Learn more about the 5 Cool Ideas books at www.MichaelAngeloCaruso.com.
January 1st has come around again.
Again this is quite doable when you understand my current regime, which is to workout four days a week for about 15 minutes. I’ve been very fortunate to maintain the same body weight (165 lbs.) for my entire adult life, so exercise has never been about keeping the weight off. But, at this stage in my life, I know it’s important to keep my heart rate high for extended periods of time.
I’ve doubled my year-to-year income twice in my life, but this time will be a bit more challenging because I made some pretty good coin in 2011. Here are some ideas I have for doubling my revenue in 2012. You can double your income, to; I’ll teach you how on 
As I get a little older, I find it very gratifying to “give back.” Joining 
The last three weeks in December can be deadly for many businesses because so many people shift their attention to the holidays. Don’t they know you have a monthly nut!? lol
Remind yourself that the purpose of the holidays is to take a step back and appreciate what you have. Use this valuable time to enjoy your family and friends, give back to others, and be good to yourself. So take a walk in the snow, play an extra game or two with your kids, and plan a fun night out with your significant other.
Today, it’s much easier because you can just re-purpose what people send you via social media. Yet, many people are reluctant to recycle the compliments they receive.
“If any of you haven’t yet heard Michael Angelo Caruso present at one of his tremendous seminars you are truly missing out. Michael is a resource for great knowledge with tons of meaningful content to help you improve, to grow your business and to grow as an individual. I have had to pleasure to co present with him and it has always been an honor and a privilege.
The most appealing guest list will get a copy of my 
Of course, this type of dream dinner will only be make believe, at least this time around. But winner of this contest will win a cool prize and get some attention from me when I announce the results December 12 here and on my Facebook page. Meanwhile, let’s have some fun considering the guest lists that are submitted.
A single individual can make next year the best twelve months of your life. That statement has a big emotional impact, but let’s look at this logically.
Rick Pinkowski
Melinda Ann Prince
Peter Nielsen
It’s true! Meeting the right person can change your life–especially if that person introduces you to more people who can improve your situation.
Rick Perry
The remarkably intuitive 
If all or most of the photos are Halloween images, you can save time labeling each individual shot by labeling the group “Halloween.”
Everyone has the ability to be great. In fact, greatness is probably the most natural of all achievements. So why don’t more of us achieve greatness? One reason is that we get in our own way. Another reason is that we often don’t receive the right amount of encouragement.
This is a math problem everyone can solve. There are two major ways that you can have more money.
