7 Ways to Rise Above Grumpy Leadership
A leader who never laughs has an unhappy team.
Happy people go further than grumps. And they enjoy the journey.
Order of operation:
Happy people are more successful than grumps.
You might believe happiness follows success. But Shawn Achor’s research indicates you have it backwards. Happiness causes success.
You don’t have to be emotional to have heart. But leading with heart requires emotion.
Influence and contagion:
“Leadership is influence.” John Maxwell
Emotions influence.
Emotion transmits easier and quicker than cold or flu. If you seldom smile or laugh, close the door to your office. Turn off the camera on video calls. Protect people from toxic grumpiness.
If you never laugh, stay away.
- Laughter connects.
- Laughter energizes.
- Laughter strengthens.
7 ways to rise above grumpy leadership:
#1. Begin meetings with short stories.
Take turns telling a funny story about yourself. I was recently asked about an embarrassing moment when I was speaking.
I remember the time I was confused about how long my keynote was scheduled. I spoke right through break time and into the breakout sessions that were scheduled. Doh!! (Now, I always double check the schedule before I speak.)
#2. Laughter walkabout.
Walk around asking, “What made you laugh today?” (… this week?)
#3. Have lunch with a person who laughs.
#4. Tell a joke.
“Those who can tell a good joke are viewed as more competent.” NIH
Don’t worry about being funny.
Corny jokes do the same thing as ‘funny’ jokes.
#5. Assign joke telling.
One team member comes to meetings with a joke to tell or read. Or everyone takes a turn at being the joke teller.
#6. Practice gratitude.
Laughter follows gratitude. Write down one point of gratitude everyday in a gratitude journal.
#7. Like people.
Think about something you like about the person you’re talking with. Let yourself smile.
What concerns you about laughter and leadership?
How might leaders bring laughter into leadership?
Bonus material:
Stress relief from laughter? It’s no joke – Mayo Clinic
Emotions are contagious: Learn what science and research has to say about it – MSU Extension
I really liked “Laughter follows gratitude”. After celebrating gratitude with a holiday this week, I was pleased to see that laughter ensues!
Happiness causes success. I would say yes. Ones happiness starts with ones attitude and from that happiness and positive attitude one can affect others whether part of your team or not. Tough to be happy in these times but as in recent posts look for the gratitude you have and can give and smile.
I sent a Chat to my team expressing my gratitude for them, added a joke (If a child refuses to sleep during nap time, are they guilty of resisting a rest?) and a link to this blog page with the preface “Gratitude & Joke Telling in the workplace: 7 WAYS TO RISE ABOVE GRUMPY LEADERSHIP”
My Master-Joke-Teller colleague responded, in reference to this blog’s title, “There is no way that Grumpy was the leader of the Seven Dwarves so they had no reason to rise above his leadership.” Yes – humor does make the job more enjoyable!
That’s so fun. Thanks for sharing your story. I find it interesting that you have a master joke teller colleague. Love that.
Yes Sir Laughing improves face value and generates good metabolism to body ,mind Heart
A person who is not able smile is Consider as Animals I love Laughing hearing jokes and cracking jokes which give enthusiasm to do work more with out mistakes
Regards
Venkatesh acchary.G