MysticTwist, the San Francisco rehabilitation conglomerate, stresses the concept of teamwork so strongly that since June 2019 all staffers have been required to refer to their department as their “team” and to their colleagues as “teammates.” All other words – colleague, co-worker, etc. – have been banned, according to the updated employee manual.
Although it has been made clear that anyone using the forbidden terminology is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal, many continue to use words like “associate” and “workmate.”
“They say old habits dies hard,” says Chief Inspirational Officer Paula Fimmons, “but when you consider what’s at stake I find it astounding that people can’t make such a simple adjustment.”
To eliminate the problem once and for all, in October the company began awarding “Team Player Gift Cards” to anyone who reports someone for using banned words. Card values start at $50 – and increase to as much as $200 for anyone turning in more than one teammate at a time.
Those reported are issued a verbal warning for a first offense. The second time, it’s written. If someone is reported more than twice, their resignation is immediately accepted.
“Cards can be redeemed at over 200 high-end businesses,” says Fimmons, “including top-of-the line restaurants that most of our team couldn’t normally afford to eat in.” So far, 123 people have been reported – 27 of them more than once and five three times – for conversations either on or off company property.
“For some it meant a stern talking to or much worse,” says Fimmons. “For some others it meant a lovely night out on the company’s dime.”
