This is from Aime Chilson, a multi-talented woman: she’s the founder and CEO of Girl Powered Inc, a real estate brokerage, ( http:// www.girlpoweredrealestate.com ) and she’s incredibly active in the fabulous organization Girls for a Change ( http://www.girlsforachange.org ). In the interest of full disclosure, the tarot reader she mentions below is someone else, not me.
Playing the Joker Card
“Do not take life too seriously. You will not get out alive.” – Elbert Hubbard.
Once a month my friend performs a tarot card reading with me for fun. It provides another opportunity to internally seek answers and solutions that I need at the time. The other day she pulled the joker card, or better known as ‘The Fool’. My ego bristled immediately, and gave the deck a, “Who ya calling fool, fool?” glare.
My friend patiently explained this card was a reminder for me to have fun in life, laugh more, and not take things too seriously. Okay, I could dig it.
As business leaders we have a lot of eyes watching us. I believe it is important to keep a great sense of humor about us in everything we do, especially in business! If we accept there will always be fires to put out, quarterly goals to hit, and shareholders to please, it’s easier to remember ‘why were here working our tails off’ in the first place and occasionally loosen our tight grips on the reins.
Allow your employees to see you let your hair down
By being both commanding and relatable, we create a balance of authority and friendship in the workplace. I find long-term success and happiness this way by reminding my team that I am a person too, sharing the same desire to cut loose after a long days work and relax.
Admit your screw-ups (And laugh at yourself, will ya!)
Face it. We all make mistakes! You’re not fooling anyone by pretending you’re perfect.
Employees see everything, including that awkward, unprepared speech we gave last week, the trash we left in the break room because we were too lazy to clean up, and the blame we placed on the new guy for something he didn’t do.
Here are a few practice items to get you started:
Experiment #1: Rock out in your car, even on the way in to your company parking lot
You know what I’m talking about! You love the songs that make you feel like Karaoke King/Queen, but you’re embarrassed to admit it: Backstreet Boys, The Bee Gee’s, or even Brittany Spears. Sing your heart out and do not think for a moment who is watching while you pump your air guitar or make-believe microphone to Cher.
Experiment #2: Boogie on down at the company party
(I retract this statement if you dance like Elaine Benice from Seinfield)
Experiment #3: Publicly make fun of yourself about something at the next company meeting
The Joker card reminds us to keep a sense of humor at all times. We can dissolve barriers, potential resentments, and workplace gossip by taking the ‘wind out’ of our own blemishes, first.
Becoming a more relatable, transparent boss can be a freeing experience. It’s created less stress for me, fewer skeletons in the closet, and better sleep at night!
