“Fun, put a smile on your face, leave that bummer behind.” ~ produced by Sly Stone

Who doesn’t want to have more fun? With daily news updates, sales special offers, serious talk about everything, it seems less possible. Don’t you want to throw your arms up in the air, and say “is anybody offering a diversion from all this stuff?” Anybody could be you. How can you bring more humor and levity into your world right now?  Can you picture Cottonelle as a shimmering mermaid? “Groove tonight” with the dancing guy from Toujeo? Chuckle with the giggling Geico gecko?

Can you celebrate life and laugh with me? I know you want to. Just because we’re talking business doesn’t mean you can’t break into body-shaking hilarity. Or, a guffaw that comes out your nose or with your coffee. There’s a lot to be frustrated, angry or fearful about. Not to minimize that, yet, now is also the time to break out of the serious armor and find a new covering that’s more suitable, flexible. To that end, will you humor me for a few minutes and come along on a ride to bring fun to your “work”?

One of my values is delight.  It’s natural for me to be upbeat, maybe even bubbly. (Although this came after years of ignoring my true self. I’ll go into that another time.)  If I can’t bring that word, “delight”, into my work, I know for me, I can’t be successful; I won’t be capable of bringing the best out of that individual or group and I know I’m also not at my finest. The best moments come from laughter: finally seeing behavior that is limiting or counterproductive to your goals, minimizing the challenging tasks ahead of you so they seem less overwhelming, and bringing your true personality into call rather than the serious role you think you have to play. Laughter, fun, and play are crucial to overall well-being for everyone. And, (drum roll), often lead to the biggest breakthroughs.

How do you bring your playful side to work? While we’re all working remotely, we find ourselves in the same situation. So, first, allow yourself to look good while shedding the starched stuff for relaxed-wear whether on a call or video-conferencing; that will permit you to get in the spirit. Remember, you don’t need to impress people you already know. Next, smile more. Now, we’re rolling….

Quote a popular upbeat tune; break out into song; dance; blow bubbles; juggle; bring out your impression of a well-known entertainer; joke about your outfit or background in zoom; surprise with your kid’s toy musical instruments or kazoo; make faces; introduce puns; put on a disguise; pioneer group bubble wrap popping…. If you lead a group with humor, people will automatically feel more relaxed and may want to join in the fun which makes it even better. Also, everybody will look forward to more calls and work. Fun will even bring your group in sync. (“every little thing I do…” one of the few Nsync songs I know). Have any more ideas?  Please share: susan@susangoldbergleadership.com

Not only is laughter the best medicine, but it brings out the great in people. Besides, from where we are sitting, we all could use some. “Fun, put a smile on your face, leave that bummer behind.”

Do you want talk about bringing fun to your leadership situation? Would you like to be a better leader? If you’d like to create a training and development plan for you or your direct report that offers delight along with increased productivity, more satisfied team members thereby increased retention, let’s talk. Contact me at Susan@SusanGoldbergLeadership.com