As leaders, we’re often convinced that we need to be serious and put together all the time, but is that realistic or even recommended?
I believe a certain amount of silliness and playfulness belongs in leadership. In part because being a great leader requires you to be transparent and real. All real human beings laugh, are playful and have fun sometimes, don’t they?
Have you ever had a time in your life where you felt you were too serious, and while you were working on serious and important matters you seemed to be constantly tired and stressed? Especially right now when we and our employees have so much on our minds, a little silliness can be a big boost to morale.
On the other hand, you probably remember a time when you were so playful and silly that you weren’t making any real progress? That’s the power of Horace’s age-old words. As a human being, you owe it to yourself to find this balance. It will make you happier and healthier (and therefore a better leader). As a leader it will make you more effective and a positive model for others to find that balance too.
Think about it
- When was the last time you were silly?
- When is the “right moment” to be silly?
- How would you assess your balance between prudence and playfulness?
Action Steps
- Take the questions above – and your answers – seriously.
- Make sure you are consciously making the right balance in different parts of your life.
- If your balance is off in either direction, take the appropriate action.
- And either way, do something silly today!
Tell us what you think: Do you agree? Does silliness belong in the workplace?
I have fallen in to this trap of thinking that as a leader I need to be 100% “professional” at all times to be taken seriously. This has boiled over into my relationship with my daughter in the need to set a good example for her. The post hits the issue exactly on the head – we become unfeeling robots if we show no cracks in our armor. Being stoic and ridged may get the job done, but this also makes us look unapproachable and like we will accept nothing besides perfection. How can the team we lead measure up against that? Being human is the quickest way to break this cycle. Sharing a joke or funny story can lighten the mood and put all involved more at ease. Knowing your audience is imperative. Thank you Kevin for the reminder!
For me being silly is a great way to relieve stress.