While the game was great and the fireworks were outstanding, it was two other events that caught my attention.  The first was the between inning entertainment provided by a company called Zooperstars.  Basically, these were inflatable faux celebrities that walked around the park or did skits on the field - and they were hilarioius.  With names like Mackerel Jordan, Harry Canary and Alex Frogriguez, they were relevant, timely, and fun to watch. 

And it makes me wonder...what are you doing from a creative point of view for your employees?  It is very important to always be creative at work, but sometimes we get stuck in the "NO."

• "No, we can't do that."
• "No, it will be too hard."
• "No, we will have to get clearance to use their names and likenesses."
• "No, let's do it the way we have always done it."

Instead of saying "no", next time try "Why not?" or "What's the worst that could happen?"  Every minor league baseball game has the same type of entertainment - dizzy bat races, t-shirt throws, etc.  It was nice to attend a game with some NEW and CREATIVE entertainment.  I wonder how much excitement you can bring to your team with a little creativity.

The second leadership skill that I was reminded of last night is not very flashy, but it works...and that is to be NICE to people.

When the game had ended, and the fireworks were over, and everyone was making their way to the exits, it seemed to me like every Birmingham Barons staff member was at the one and only exit saying the following:

• "Thanks for coming."
• "Thanks for spending some time with us."
• "Drive safely - we appreciate you coming!"

It was a great thing to see.  When I worked at Disney, you would see this all the time at Epcot, where all the cast members from the different countries would stand at the turnstiles and say "good-bye" and "thank you" in their own language.  But that was Disney - you expect that from Disney.  You may not expect it at a minor league ballpark.  I sure didn't...I was impressed.

Being nice can have an impact on your employees as well.  Are you thanking your employees at the end of the day, and telling them you look foward to seeing them tomorrow?

Here are a few more action items for you

• Remember that most all successful ideas are born out of creativity.  Are you allowing your employees to light their creative spark at work, or are you holding them back?  Maybe its time for a one-hour blue-sky meeting, where you ask all your employees to bring their craziest and most exciting new ideas on how to improve their areas.

• Make sure you are NICE to your employees.  You do not have to be best friends with them, but it does not cost a lot to be nice.

Or if you really want to be creative and nice, come to work one day dressed as "Jeff Gordog", and  watch the fun begin...