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| Courtesy of Google Images |
Of all the guiding principles of Google, Inc., “Ten ThingsWe Know to Be True,” this one has the greatest application for the classroom.
PrincipleNumber Nine: You can be serious without asuit.
Google founders, Larry Page andSergey Brin, built the company around the concept that “work should be challenging, and the challenge should be fun.”Being without a suit refers to the relaxed atmosphere of Google, as opposed to the1950s at IBM where everyone was known to wear a gray suit, blue shirt and tie.(Guess who wasn’t there dressed in that uniform?)
They believe, and have proven,that creativity occurs in a particular type of environment. To establish this environment they emphasize teamachievements and individualaccomplishments. They provide workspace for both. Most importantly, they valuetheir employees. This is shown in many ways by the freedom and responsibilitygiven.
- Google workers are connected to the world through theInternet. They have access to all the information currently available to answertheir questions.
- Google workers eat nutritious meals and snacks. You won’tfind a soda dispenser on their campus. You willbe able to savor three, free,healthy meals daily, as well as snacks.
- Google workers collaborate on their projects. They shareideas and make discoveries. They spend their mealtimes eating outside on apatio, playing with ideas and sparking one another’s imaginations.
- Google workers are free to stop “work” and play volleyballon a sand court, play an etude on the grand piano, take a walk or a swim.
- Google workers have both individual offices and quiet openareas where they can think and complete their projects.
And, my favorite:
- Google workers are expected to spend 20% of their time onthe job pursuing an idea that interests them, chasing a sunbeam that may haveno connection with their assigned work. At every turn they are rewarded fortaking initiative.
Is there a way to incorporate some of these practices inyour classroom?
