Performance Management Blog

Organizational Detoxification
There are lots of elegant solutions out there, and Square Wheels are a great tool to use to generate them

I was thinking organizational detoxification and about a simple, very direct way to change thinking about your organizational culture. This is a healthy drink to be served at your next gathering or team meeting with a toast. This is something delivered in a way that would get your people to consider improving collaboration and engagement and facilitation of ideas and stuff like that.

It is for a toast to Culture Change and Performance Improvement.

(I keep hoping Skynet will start “managing” workplace cultures to remove some of the toxicity but that may still be years out. This is an alternative!)

There are lots of elegant solutions out there, and Square Wheels are a great tool to use to generate themThis health drink recipe idea is designed to “reduce organizational toxicity” and promote a healthier, more vibrant workplace culture. Using “beat juice” as the star ingredient, this drink embodies transformation, balance, and vitality and the removal of the common everyday beat-down that so many people experience — qualities essential for thriving organizational cultures. Let’s mix up some positivity!

Ingredients for one service — multiply for a group

  1. 1 oz Beat Juice: Represents transparency and authenticity—beat juice’s earthy flavor reminds us that honesty is the foundation of trust. (actually, beet juice)
  2. 1 oz Ginger Syrup: Adds a spicy kick to symbolize the courage to address tough conversations.
  3. 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice: For a zesty touch of innovation and adaptability.
  4. 2 oz Sparkling Water: Brings effervescence, just like collaboration bubbles up fresh ideas.
  5. 1/2 oz Honey (optional): Sweetens the deal, representing kindness and empathy.
  6. Mint Leaves (for garnish): A refreshing reminder of renewal and growth.

    Note that allergies to any of the above are deemed very rare.

Instructions

  1. In a shaker, muddle a few mint leaves with lime juice to release their refreshing aroma—think of it as breaking down silos in your organization.
  2. Add beat juice, ginger syrup, and honey (if using) to the shaker. Shake well with ice until chilled—just like shaking up outdated processes.
  3. Strain into a glass filled with fresh ice cubes to keep things cool under pressure.
  4. Top with sparkling water for that collaborative, bubbly fizz.
  5. Garnish with more mint leaves or a slice of lime for a polished presentation.

Cultural Impact

This drink is more than a cocktail—it’s a metaphor for cultural transformation:

  • The beet juice’s bold color symbolizes embracing diversity and inclusion.
  • Ginger syrup’s spice encourages teams to tackle challenges head-on.
  • Lime juice’s acidity balances the sweetness, reminding us that constructive feedback is vital for growth.

Serving Suggestion:

Do this as a toast but also print out the recipe for each participant prior to the toast and include any corporate messaging around your themes relevant to the ingredients above.

Serve this tonic at team-building events or organizational retreats as a fun way to spark conversations about reducing toxicity and fostering positive change. Pair it with an open dialogue about values and behaviors that support a healthy workplace culture.

Cheers to BEATing toxicity and cultivating a workplace where everyone thrives!

(I started this out as a joke post to a thread in LinkedIn but the more I thought about it, the more “stupidly simple sense” it made. I offer it as a serious suggestion.)

 —

For the FUN of It!

Dr. Scott Simmerman, designer of The Search for The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine teambuilding game.Dr. Scott Simmerman is a designer of team building games and organization improvement tools.
Managing Partner of Performance Management Company since 1984, he is an experienced presenter and consultant who is trying to retire!! He now lives in Cuenca, Ecuador.

You can reach Scott at scott@squarewheels.com
Learn more about Scott at his LinkedIn site.



Scott has been playing with organizational cultures, innovation, collaboration and organizational performance since 1978. He sells tools such as Square Wheels images that managers and trainers can use to better involve and engage people in workplace improvement. He also develops world-class team building games. Here is a press release about The Search for The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine teambuilding exercise and its 30 years of positively impacting people and performance.

Square Wheels® is a registered trademark of Performance Management Company
The Search for The Lost Dutchman’s Gold Mine is a trademark of Performance Management Company
Square Wheels and Lost Dutchman images © Performance Management Company, 1993 – 2024. All rights reserved.

 

Dr. Scott Simmerman

Dr. Scott Simmerman is a designer of the amazing Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine team building game and the Square Wheels facilitation and engagement tools. Managing Partner of Performance Management Company since 1984, he is an experienced global presenter. -- You can reach Scott at scott@squarewheels.com and a detailed profile is here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsimmerman/ -- Scott is the original designer of The Search for The Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine teambuilding game and the Square Wheels® images for organizational development.

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