Harnessing Humor: A Leadership Workshop or Team Building Tool?
Last week, I had the pleasure of engaging with a group of CEOs at Vistage, showcasing my latest leadership workshop, Leading With Levity. It was immensely rewarding to witness their initial uncertainty transform into a commitment to infuse their teams with a sense of fun and camaraderie by the end of our session.
From my interactions with leaders, I've gleaned invaluable insights:
Fear often impedes the adoption of levity in leadership. Whether it's the fear of not being perceived as serious, the fear of excessive frivolity, or the fear of failure, it's crucial to address these concerns head-on. I often highlight the acronym F.E.A.R. - False Evidence Appearing Real - to debunk these apprehensions. A brief session on "How Not To Bomb" instills the confidence needed to embrace authenticity.
Common challenges such as hybrid work dynamics, employee apathy, and interdepartmental rifts call for innovative approaches. Injecting strategic fun into team interactions can work wonders. Consider mixing teams for playful competitions to foster collaboration and bridge divides.
The notion that self-promotion is impolite is outdated. Effectively sharing personal stories, challenges overcome, and motivations can deepen connections with teams. Employing self-effacing humor cultivates relatability and authenticity, key ingredients for effective leadership.
The Vistage Group participants exemplified openness and authenticity, contributing richly to our session. Witnessing their willingness to integrate humor into their roles as CEOs was truly inspiring.
I'm passionate about empowering individuals to excel and find joy in their professional journeys. If you're interested in exploring the significance of appropriate humor in the workplace further, feel free to schedule a consultation or visit my website. Let's connect and embark on a journey of growth and laughter together!