Exploring the Strange

We are exploring the Strange.

When Executives get into the C-Suite, they are sometimes surprised by what’s needed from them. Other times, they get tied up and forget there’s extra expected.

We are exploring favourite jobs that Executives take (often) unbeknownst.

Let’s dig into Humour.

No, we aren’t suggesting you show up with an act, and as a comedian!

But, we are inspired by the social grace and comfort of sharing laughs.

One of the most critical parts of being an Executive is building a culture and team to help you achieve the organization’s goals.

If culture is job #1, what can you do with laughter and humour to get you there?

How can you personally benefit from coming to a workplace where you are cheerful? Is having fun helping you stay healthy for your people and your goals?

Laughter can be therapeutic. It can expedite connection. It can make time fly by.

Assess yourself and your culture:

Do people share social moments?
Is there jokes that get told and lighten the mood and make people feel more comfortable?
Are people comfortable telling stories? What about ones of failure and uncertainty?

If you lack humour and laughs, what can you do to step up as a leader? Will it amplify the team if you prioritize this?

Be careful for the pitfalls. You need to have a safe environment, and laughs at the expense of others won’t fly. Funny enough, one of the easiest ways for humans to connect is to ‘ride the negative train,’ as that journey can include lots of giggling and laughs. When people complain or make fun of others or gossip, it can serve the same bonding and validation as laughter, but the results are toxic. Further bias and a lack of diversity can spark laughs, but that short-term smile will not benefit you or your team.

Sometimes, the fear of the consequences prevents us from even trying. That isn’t leadership! Lots of laughs and humour can be cultivated in your culture while keeping it diverse, safe, and inclusive.

Be aware, but don’t be afraid!

Step up as an Executive and ask what you can do to help bring smiles to your team. It could be personal, like how you show up. However, it could also be done through your leadership choices, like how you hire, what is delegated or expected from others, or the meetings, space, or experience you create. There are many ways to get this done.

The question is—does it matter to you? Is it an opportunity for you? Do you have risks or issues, and exploring humour is highlighting gaps?

Next, we look at the strange expectations in sales and inefficiencies.