{"id":6890,"date":"2010-05-06t12:21:22","date_gmt":"2010-05-06t16:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/48e130086c.nxcli.net\/?p=6890"},"modified":"2024-11-19t21:48:23","modified_gmt":"2024-11-20t02:48:23","slug":"a-ceos-creative-take-on-leadership-more-cow-bell-please","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"\/\/www.g005e.com\/2010\/05\/06\/a-ceos-creative-take-on-leadership-more-cow-bell-please\/","title":{"rendered":"copanion ceo\u2019s creative take on leadership \u2014 more cow bell, please! [video]"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cyou have to crank up the creative thinking to keep employees engaged and happy.\u201d \u2013 ed jennings, ceo, copanion inc.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

via kristy short for copanion<\/em><\/p>\n

when a ceo starts calling for \u201cmore cow bell,\u201d you know times are changing. it\u2019s all about creating a big, bold, and colorful work experience.<\/p>\n

[youtube]q4royoltvmq[\/youtube]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"\"
jennings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

the economy continues to slog along. with cutbacks and looming thoughts of job loss, it\u2019s no big surprise that many office cultures have taken a morale hit. creative thought leaders have long been promoting creativity in the corporate workspace. the time has come for some color.<\/p>\n

edward v. jennings, ceo of copanion inc., is leading the pack of creative executives. from asking for more cow bell to figuratively tearing down walls and office doors, he is a prime example of an executive willing to think outside of box\u2026 and one gutsy enough to install truly creative initiatives.<\/p>\n

a few of the most popular programs include:<\/strong><\/p>\n

more cow bell\u2014<\/strong>having fun is key in any work environment. <\/strong>when employees enjoy going to work, it fosters a positive culture. the company\u2019s \u201ccow bell\u201d policy has added an air of humor and goodwill to the company\u2019s inside sales team. the popular saturday night live skit where christopher walken constantly calls for \u201cmore cow bell\u201d has reached cult classic status\u2014and copanion is taking advantage of its popularity.<\/p>\n

with a cow bell secured on the sales floor, sales reps ring the bell each time a significant sale is made\u2014meeting the ceo\u2019s request for \u201cmore cow bell!\u201d the addition of the cow bell has created an environment of fun and camaraderie\u2014one that would make will ferrell proud.<\/p>\n

the biggest loser<\/strong>\u2014this year, copanion launched its own version of the biggest loser in a company-wide effort to keep staff healthy. with an 85% participation rate, staff was split into five teams. teams competed in two categories:<\/p>\n

1) total hours of exercise and
\n2) total weight loss.<\/p>\n

the winning team in each category earned 8 hours of vacation time per team member. the friendly competition engaged staff from all departments and successfully promoted cross-departmental rapport as people worked together for a common, healthy goal.<\/p>\n

\u201ckeeping it real\u201d policies and events<\/strong>\u2014the hierarchy within copanion is best described as flat. the company\u2019s management team strives to de-emphasis titles and focus on a team approach.<\/p>\n

to foster a culture of openness, the company:<\/p>\n