Fostering Fun: Duke Harten's Playbook

Blog

Sep 6

I want to share a story about Duke Harten, a dynamo in shaking up workplace culture and organic videos , making it a bit more fun, and maybe even a touch ridiculous—in the best way possible.

Office Shenanigans and March Madness

So, you know the usual office humdrum, right? The constant drone of keyboards, the endless cycle of coffee-making? Duke Harten found a way to flip that script at his company, Shinesty. Picture this: Duke once flirted with the idea of impersonating his CEO to resolve an MLB uniform snafu with the Colorado Rockies. Crazy, right? Though he didn’t go through with it, it gives you a taste of his boldness (or let's call it unparalleled cheekiness).

Now, if you really want to grasp Duke's flair for the dramatic, let's talk about his "office March Madness competition." Not just your run-of-the-mill office pool—this turned into a national sensation! A simple idea grew legs (and maybe wings) because Duke curated it meticulously, then gave it the freedom to go viral. Moral of the story? Sometimes the most casual idea can make the biggest splash if you organize it thoughtfully and let creativity take over.

Action Point: Got an idea? Don’t dismiss it! Organize a small, fun competition. It might just resonate with your team and have unforeseen impacts.

Introducing "Music League" and the Power of Fun

Having conquered March Madness, Duke didn't stop there. He introduced "Music League" via Slack—a communal activity where employees submit songs based on a theme, creating a playlist that everyone votes on. This wasn’t just a fleeting gimmick; it brought staff together, igniting interaction and camaraderie. You might think your team won't engage in such quirky activities. Duke's advice? Start small. Even the tiniest, goofiest activities can make a big difference.

Action Point: Start a Music League in your office. Use Slack, Teams, or even good old-fashioned email. Theme the playlists—'Songs that make you feel invincible' or 'Guilty pleasures only'—and watch your team vibe and bond over melodies.

Invest in What Works: Platform Adversity & Adaptation

Fun fact: Duke manages the social media for Shinesty and focuses on the organic reach on TikTok and Instagram. He's a living testament to the philosophy, “entertain first, sell second.” He noticed TikTok's content shifting away from viral dances toward more personalized, creator-focused content. What did Duke do? He adapted.

When asked about his strategy for navigating the ever-changing social media landscape, Duke underlined the importance of sticking to what works for your brand and not spreading yourself like thin butter across too many platforms. If TikTok were to disappear tomorrow, he'd pivot. Flexibility is key, folks!

Action Point: Assess your current social media strategy. Are you diluting your efforts by trying to be everywhere? Focus on one or two platforms that work best for you and your audience.

Creative Content & Wholesome Engagement

Duke's approach? If it’s not wholesome and positive, it’s not happening. Take his series where he texted the CEO daily until he got blocked. Witty much? A sure-fire engagement magnet! The takeaway here: Identify what your audience responds to and hone in on it.

He emphasizes: Keep your content concise, make it tell a story in under two minutes. And when all else fails, combine humor with acts of thoughtfulness. One time, Duke made a custom card for a colleague, a small gesture that blended humor with genuine intent. It’s this marriage of fun and sincerity that makes his strategy stand out.

Action Point: Challenge yourself to tell a compelling story in under two minutes. A product, a service, a persona. Brainstorm transactional and engaging content to balance the scales.

The Game Show Dream & Beyond Office Walls

Imagine an office-based British Taskmaster; this is exactly the kind of energy Duke brings to Shinesty. He always looks for positives in interactions, making everyone feel included and celebrated. His future dream? Hosting a game show—one that’s inclusive, fun, and dripping in camaraderie.

Action Point: Consider organizing your own mini-office game show. You don’t need high production values—just a bit of creativity and a lot of heart.

Conclusion: Create Joy, One Silly Challenge at a Time

Duke has mastered creating joy in unexpected places. From turning mundane office spaces into a hive of humor to innovating marketing strategies, he demonstrates that finding joy at work isn't about grand gestures or huge budgets. It’s about small, consistent efforts to make people smile and feel connected. So go ahead, channel your inner Duke Harten. Introduce a goofy activity. Dream big. Keep it fun, keep it real, and watch the magic unfold.

Ready to take your workspace from “meh” to marvelous? One silly challenge at a time. Trust me; it’s worth it.

Listen to Episode 240 of Creative Chats podcast with guest Duke Harten.

mike brennan

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, is not just a Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity in our lives. In his book, Make Fun a Habit, Mike takes readers on a captivating journey, drawing from personal experiences of resilience and moments of light in the darkest times. Through this journey, he uncovers the secrets to rediscovering fun, infusing every day with play, and unlocking our innate creative potential.

Mike's expertise extends beyond the pages of his book, as he has been instrumental in helping renowned clients such as Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and yes, fun, into their work. His artwork has graced prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona. His educational journey includes studying in New York City and graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology and The School of Visual Arts.

What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity in their daily lives and businesses. He offers a unique Daily Creative Habit process, honed over a decade of personal practice, to empower individuals and businesses to integrate innovation into their routines. His methods encompass time management, goal-driven creativity, and a sustainable approach to making innovation a seamless part of daily life and work.

In a world where the daily grind often overshadows the pursuit of happiness, Mike stands as a beacon of hope. His message is clear: embrace the adventure that life offers, and discover how incorporating creativity and fun into your routine can lead to a more vibrant, fulfilling existence. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life.