Are you celebrating Cinco de Mayo today? What about in your workplace? It’s a great opportunity to honor team diversity.
First, be sure that you understand the reason for the day. May 5 is often mistakenly recognized as Mexico’s Independence Day. It is really a symbolic day of Mexican resistance against the French, commemorating the 1862 Mexican Army’s victory over the advancing French Army during the Franco-Mexican War. Today, Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is actually celebrated more widely in the United States than in Mexico, where it is considered a minor holiday.
If you have team members of Mexican heritage, ask if they would like to share their family history or any cultural artifacts this week. Why not have a Mexican food pot-luck? Even something as simple as chips, salsa and guacamole would be fun, easy and appreciated. You can run out and pick that up at lunch time today for a surprise afternoon treat.
Fun at work does not need to cost a lot of money or require a lot of time and effort. You must simply have a willingness to enjoy time with your team at work. And, who knows? You might even learn something about them.
Important note for leaders: Avoid falling into stereotypes; no sombreros, speaking high school Spanish or drinking too much at your team happy hour. Keep it classy, as they say!
