Fun isn’t something you have, it is something you generate. It is easy to get caught up in the day-to-day activities and daily grind which can remove all pretense of fun from being a leader. Being a leader should be fun! You’ve been asked to guide other human beings! Here are four tips on how to have more fun as a leader.
Tip 1 – Decide to have fun
Instead of going through the motions- which doesn’t make you a very inspiring leader- decide to have fun with your team. When you are with them, be present. When you are present, they feel your energy and will respond in kind.
When everyone’s energy improves, people open up and have more fun. Decide to be present when you are with your employees and watch their energy improve.
Tip 2–Do what you like
There are tasks that you’re required to do as a leader you don’t like. There are tasks that someone else might be better suited to complete. Take out a sheet of paper, fold it in half and write on one side things I like to do in my job. On the other side put things I don’t like to do.
Review the list and delegate, quit, or transition as many of the things you don’t like to do to someone better suited. This not only frees up your time, but it provides a chance for other people on your team to grow in their responsibilities. This will make you much happier and let you have more fun!
Tip 3–Develop a servant leader mindset
When you believe that your employees are there to serve your needs, you won’t create a fun environment. You’ll constantly check up on employees, micro-manage them, and you’ll be constantly disappointed.
When you have a servant leader mindset, you’ll look for barriers that are preventing your employees from doing their best. You’ll ask them what roadblocks you can remove. You’ll ask for ways that you can better support them. This will lighten the mood in your organization and people will realize you are an outstanding leader. Won’t that be fun?
Tip 4 – Learn more about your employees
Since the COVID19 pandemic has begun, many employees are living in a WFM situation. This has enabled coworkers to learn more about each other. Given that this is not changing soon, encourage learning and sharing about each other.
When I was a Vice President of operations, I was speaking with an employee once and I noticed a handball logo on his coffee mug. I played handball on the club team at the University of Cincinnati, so I got to talking about handball with him. I found out he is ranked number 25 in the world as a handball player. Learning that little tidbit about his life allowed me to have more fun as a leader that day!
As always, it is an honor to serve you, and I hope that you and your company are getting better every day!
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