We are heading into the season of holidays, and some believe that October 31st is the best of them all. I always believe that there are things we can learn by making connections between people, places, things, and events. It is a part of keeping our creative minds active and allowing for more effective problem solving. 

So, here is my effort to connect Halloween to all of you working hard everyday! Let me know if you think this ends up being a trick or a treat!

• What does our “dress up” say about us? Certainly the work attire rules have shifted dramatically - aided on by the working at home many did through covid. Our children fret about their costumes trying to get it “just right.” And yet we know that the costume is just a part of the experience and a good Halloween can occur with a lackluster costume.
  
  Two things to think about. If you are interviewing someone for a new position, don’t put too much weight on their attire. The best intern I ever hired came to his interview in the poorest fitting suit I had ever seen (back in the days when one would wear a suit to an interview for an internship). He wasn’t yet in a position to afford his own interview clothes. And - if there is a big day at work - a presentation, a key customer visiting, an annual meeting, an awards celebration - I think arriving in your best “dress up” confirms the importance of the situation.
  
  

• My youngest daughter rotated through scary and pretty costumes. If you look at pictures over the years she looks like someone who can’t decide who she is! In costumes, that is fine. I worry more about the rest of the year and how we show up to our coworkers. One of the tenets of trust is “consistency.” And if one day you are great to be around but the next day you are “scary” - it is going to be hard for you to develop trust with people. We all have bad days, but if those “bad days” are frequent, don’t be surprised if people draw back from your ideas and outreach even if it is one of your “pretty” days.
  

• Even as a kid, I stressed a bit about all the candy in my possession as I had a hard time modulating my intake. I am pretty healthy in my diet - but I do much better when I am not surrounded by unhealthy food!  Where else do we go out and seek, and then surround ourselves with unhealthiness?

  
  An obvious answer is the office parties where there tends to be an abundance of unhealthy choices. But, do we gather in close to hear the latest gossip? Do we gravitate toward the negative talkers in the office? Do we find ourselves ignoring our work because we are drawn into something on social media? It is easier to make positive choices when we are careful about what we seek out.

• I know lots of people get upset if Trick or Treaters are “too old” or come from another neighborhood. Of course, some teens (or even younger children) could be up to no good - but why do we jump to those conclusions? Many “older” trick or treaters may have developmental disabilities where the experience of trick or treating still feels appropriate for them. Some teens are spirited and just want to continue the fun they had as children. I live in a city where lots of black and brown families go trick or treating in predominantly white neighborhoods - for very practical reasons. I say Welcome! I wish more people would.

• “Are you wearing a costume?” When there is a costume-suggested party, there tends to be a lot of angst about wearing costumes by some people. What does it hurt to “go along” and participate? Let your individuality come through in your costume choice instead of your obstinance. Do you believe you’re not creative (nonsense!) and that’s your excuse? I’ll help below with a few simple costumes so that you don’t have to show up as the party pooper.

• A witch! All black outfit and a pointy hat can never go wrong.

• Anything 80s. Grab some neon and legwarmers and you’re good to go.

• A vampire! Just some fake fangs and you’re all set (also super easy to abandon if you see no one else participating in the festivities!)

• And the most versatile would easily be a jack-o-lantern shirt! Simple enough to be in the Halloween spirit, but can also be used as your Halloween costume!

• Speaking of wearing costumes, or more specifically a mask - do you allow people to see who you really are? There is a lot to be said for authenticity. Masks are great for Halloween, but do little to support teams in the workplace.

Whether you are a fan of Halloween or not, I hope that you found something to think about in reading this blog. Witch - I mean “which” idea spoke the most to you?