The Most Underrated Part of Work

As I take a look at the leadership landscape today, I wonder - in a world where there’s so much to do, so many unknowns, and things are feeling extra divided, is there any room for fun?

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And is it OK to want to have more fun at work?

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I think it's more than OK. Actually, I think it's essential. Maybe we find it in small moments. Maybe we have it more some days than others. But if we’re not having any fun? That’s a sign of trouble.

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A couple of years ago, in one of my last Instagram posts, I wrote about "leadership fun-damentals," and the importance of bringing fun into the work.

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Here I am today, still thinking about it, because I think it’s one of the more under-valued parts of work (for leaders and teams). And it's also something I'm working to find more of.

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Trust, productivity, communication, retention - all get better where people find some fun together at work.

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When everything feels heavy and serious, it's harder to think creatively and solve problems in a way that opens up possibilities.

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Bringing in some brightness and levity can help us connect and drive forward, even in uncertain and challenging times.

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As leaders, it’s so important to understand the energy in our organizations.

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It might be time to ask:

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✨ How are people feeling? Are they connecting with their colleagues and finding moments of joy and fun?

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✨ How well are we balancing doing serious work without feeling constantly bogged down?

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✨ What do people need to feel a sense of vibrance and possibility?

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Making space for connections. Letting people socialize. Prioritizing building bonds - those are some of the most important things for creating that culture of trust that we know if so important.

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When I facilitate meetings and trainings, I prioritize having lots of space for connection and I bring in elements that invite laughter and creativity - things that might be harder to do in the midst of the day to day work.

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When I'm working on my own business, I prioritize getting out and interacting with other humans, delighting in my cats' very cat-like behavior*, or taking time to listen to a podcast that makes me laugh while also making me think differently about something.

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And that fuels me for the time I have to spend doing things the things that feel heavier or more challenging.

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*I had a cat walking across my keyboard and my trackpad while I was writing this. I did my best to catch her edits, but if you see something that doesn't quite fit - that's why!