Joyful Museums

Have you ever taken the initiative to make an improvement to workplace culture? What happened? Yes. People a bit further up the chain of command seemed as though they would rather not hear any ideas about improving my own work, let alone the institution’s workplace culture. It was as though a number of people would like to just show up,… Read more →

What museums do you think have a positive workplace? Why? I think the museums I currently see with the best workplaces are places that are willing to experiment (with exhibits, donor/funding sources, programs, etc) and be entrepreneurial, that treat everyone on the team like professionals and allow agency and autonomy in day-to-day work, and that collaborative both within the workplace… Read more →

If something about your workplace culture was improved, how would this change the way that you work, both in the short and long term? I actually *just* left this position for another workplace. I was the fourth person in my department to leave this year. If there had been any sign at all that folks above me were willing to… Read more →

Tell me about a time when you were really upset about something that happened at work.   My feelings about work are not really centered on a single upsetting incident, but can be described as a slow attrition of my interest and motivation. Seeing coworkers goof off while others are overwhelmed, seeing old systems persist after different tactics to change… Read more →

If something about your workplace culture was improved, how would this change the way that you work, both in the short and long term? Knowing that your voice matters and that people are listening helps.  I know we are in a profession where we don’t make a ton of money so I realize getting a huge salary increase is not… Read more →

If something about your workplace culture was improved, how would this change the way that you work, both in the short and long term?   If general workload distributions improved, and employees were equally engaged, and management seemed to be checked-in about the issues, I think our motivation and energy as a group would shoot up. It would feel like… Read more →

Tell me about a great moment at work, when you felt happy, proud, or joyful. This could be either an individual moment or a shared one with your team.   I work with volunteers and help to train staff to work with volunteers.  One great moment recently was during an “All Hands” meeting at work.  I gave a presentation on… Read more →

Tell me about a time when you were really upset about something that happened at work. I worked at a museum at the beginning of my career where a coworker got very intoxicated during our evening fundraising event.  Due to her state of mind and inability to function I had to do all of her work for her (even pulling… Read more →