The most wasted of all days is that in which we have not laughed. ― Sebastien Chamfort
Make Leadership Human Again.
Leadership is a serious business, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun or enjoyable. In fact, a little bit of wit and wisdom goes a long way in helping leaders motivate their teams, build strong relationships, and achieve success. Having some wit makes you more relatable, more likeable and even human.
In my own experiences where wit and wisdom were applied to various situations amounted to an increased energy and motivation among the teams. In fact wit along with wisdom are positive traits in leadership when applied appropriately. It is also a trait of intelligence and taking a creative view with insights.
Here's what adding a little bit of wit and wisdom can do to your leadership style:
Be authentic
Being authentic is one aspect that gains trust. People will be able to spot a fake.
Just be yourself, and your team will appreciate your authenticity. Besides that, be yourself as everyone else is taken. :)
Have a sense of humour.
Who needs a leader who is grouchy, and doesn't make work life interesting for their employees?
it. It is the mark of a good leader to ensure a safe and amicable work environment one that is without disrespect and toxicity. Working in a relatively relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere means more motivation for productivity as a team.
Be mindful of your audience.
What might be funny to one person could be offensive to another. It's important to be mindful of your audience and to use humour in a way that is appropriate for the situation. Having self awareness is crucial with being compassionate and empathetic of how others may perceive the comments.
A positive mindset is at the core of workplace health including your own.
A positive attitude is contagious, and it can help your team stay motivated and focused on achieving their goals. It is a trait for inclusivity, increasing productivity, and being emotionally invested in the outcomes of your team. Remember that good employees thrive on appreciation, and they leave bad bosses despite other factors being favourable. Saving one's sanity is a prime requisite for job survival.
Be and active listener
One of the most important things a leader can do is listen to their team members. Taking the time to listen to their concerns and ideas, you show them that they are being valued as team members and appreciate their input. This can only mean you are committed to the success of your team to succeed and this is helpful with them staying the path to meet the objectives of the organisation.
Be an advocate for your employees.
Humour can be a great way to lighten the mood, but it shouldn't be used to avoid dealing with difficult issues. If there's a problem that needs to be addressed, don't use humour to sweep it under the rug. Deal with the issue at hand, and together. Advocate for the person when they are struggling with something. Do not speak negative of others in your workplace as that is a sign of gossiping and it is not a good look on you. Provide further training if need be.
Be a role model for others.
What you put out there you also receive. So, use wit and wisdom with positive impact and set the example for others to follow. Be a champion leader and role model for making other leaders. Of course, wit and wisdom are just two of the many qualities that make a great leader. But if you can master these two skills, you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful leader. Support your employees, and show them that they have your respect. When used correctly, wit and wisdom can be powerful tools for leaders. They can help you build positive relationships, trust, motivate your team, and achieve success.
Want to be top dog in leadership with wisdom and wit that can help you achieve success? Are ready to lead with positive traits such as wit and wisdom? Contact me now for a free 15 minute call so that Chameleon Confidential Solutions can assist you with your concerns and taking the next steps.
Written by: Catherine Halse © 2023
All rights reserved.
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