Java Bee
Hi gang! A few years back, I worked as an application developer for a group that was trying to transition from a nasty old mainframe to a shiny new UNIX environment. This meant that all of the employees would need to learn a new language: Java.
A number of people had started to take a Java class at a local college and I had a great idea that would let them bring what they were learning into the workplace in a fun way: the Java Bee!
Since a couple people already knew Java, they could quiz the new students on what they were learning in front of the rest of the department. What a great way to recognize those that took the initiative on learning new technologies, right?
Unfortunately, the Java Bee was quickly shot down, and the project and my job were cut shortly thereafter. It was an idea ahead of its time.
Until next time…!
You should have had a COBOL Bee instead.
Awww man! You could have combined this idea with the “Employee Recognition” idea. If you won, you would be paraded around to the cheers of your colleagues in a mini-parade.
If you failed, you would still be paraded around, but this time to the jeers of your colleagues.