When I worked at Palladium Group, a strategy execution consulting company, a new CEO (and former MD) addressed the company on a conference call: “I’m a doctor. I’ve seen people die. What we do here is not that serious.” I’m not sure if that was supposed to be a pep talk, but it sent a message: Don’t take yourselves too seriously.
Organizational change is not all business and no fun. In fact, if you aren’t laughing about it, you’re probably doing it wrong! Laughter reduces your own stress, and sharing a laugh with other people in your organization is a great way to show empathy, build relationships and put things in perspective.
So laugh at the absurdity of trying to stop a speeding freight train, or turn the Titanic (or your metaphor of choice). Make fun of your corny acronyms and slogans. Joke about the weekly team progress status update meeting. Isn’t it funny?
What might you laugh about?
Read more of the 99 Ways to Influence Change.