Marshmallow

Have you ever watched the Disney movie Frozen?

Did you know that the scary ice monster at the top of the snowy mountain was named Marshmallow?

I want to tell you today how I used Marshmallow as a tool for improving organizational culture.

Let me start at the beginning though.

Once again, I was in a new role, with a new team, and a new boss in my first open concept workspace. I had four colleagues in close proximity.

As I set up my new desk, I proudly displayed Olaf. Because Olaf makes me smile and his singing of “In Summer” is my “go-to” happy place.

Olaf caught the attention of two of my colleagues who quickly pointed out their own Frozen accessories. It was a bonding moment.

We decided we should make our office zone a “Frozen” space, insisting that the other two colleagues nearby would have to jump on board this Frozen train.

I took it upon myself to help facilitate this onboarding process and purchased a full pack of miniature Frozen figurines. I told my fellow colleagues they could choose whichever ones they wanted to display prominently in their workspace. I also told them, with a smile, if they didn’t choose, I would choose for them.

The remaining figurines were set up on my desk, including Marshmallow. Interestingly enough, no one chose this icy yet cute snow monster.

I didn’t know what to do with Marshmallow. Until my boss flew into a rage in the office.

Now my new boss had a lot of good qualities but this was his downfall. Whenever this happened, it cast a dark cloud that hung over the office for hours. I could see my colleagues sink deeper into their chairs and keep their heads down as if to make themselves disappear.

I knew I needed to do something.

I decided then and there that my good boss was going to need Marshmallow.

The idea came from a friend of mine who used a technique with another couple who had a habit of fighting with each other while we were all dining out together (pre-COVID, of course). Her phrase was “Blueberries.” She pulled this couple aside and told them she was giving them a code word -- when they heard “Blueberries”, they needed to stop fighting. It worked like a charm.

I waited for the right moment when my boss was more likely to be receptive and I handed him Marshmallow.

I called it his “Marshmallow Anger Management Plan”.

Whenever he felt anger brewing inside, he was to look at Marshmallow sitting on his desk, or maybe even hold it in his hands. Or if I noticed in time, I would just look at him and say “Marshmallow.” Just anything to remind him to find another way to release his anger.

The office was quite pleasant after that.

It was a few months later when Marshmallow was returned to me when I was having my own bad day.

I had to smile.

We all have bad days.

As leaders though, the onus is on us to find ways to minimize the effects of a bad day on others.

Photo: Tammy Brimner/TLBVelo Photography