Office Dynamics conferences always have a team building segment, selected especially by Joan Burge, each year. Well, this year I think they blew the lid off and created perfection!

Joan outlined the surprise team building project for the 24 tables of attendees: we were going to collectively write a soft cover reference book containing handy tips on how administrative professionals and executive assistants can add value every day! So, each table wrote 6-8 innovative ways to add value every day. We first received instructions that tips were to be concise, easy to read and realistic to the average office.

The tips were collected and compiled, and we were ready for the second segment on the following day. I think everyone was enthralled, but wait, it gets so much better!

This book was to be each attendee’s legacy to carry the path forward. Joan announced that the book will be published in time for Administrative Professionals’ Day, 2012. Best of all, 50% of the proceeds will benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, an exceptionally worthy cause.

On the final day of the conference, the 24 tables of attendees gathered again, this time to brainstorm a title that would be “catchy” yet corporate. Marketable, yet manageable! It was a tricky assignment! After the 24 tables spent time creating a cover idea and title, they took a break while an independent panel of judges narrowed the field down to three semi-finalists.

Following the morning break, the three semi-finalist book titles and concepts were shown to the room, and everyone voted for their favorite. The winning table participants were invited up on stage to receive free Kindles (what a great prize!) for having the most popular title and concept.

Be on the lookout for this great new book of administrative tips, currently in editing and production, to be published in early spring, 2012 through Office Dynamics.

The title? I think it’s still secret, but you’ll love it, and every company will want to support St. Jude’s and get a copy for everyone in their office.