Jeremy Bradley-Silverio Donato, COO at Zama.
I recently read some words of wisdom on, of all places, Facebook: “Always go with amused if you have a choice of that or anger.” These words were not from a motivational speaker or a self-help guru, but from a retired culture diversity professor. The message resonated with me not only personally, but in my role as C-level executive. I began to think about how leaders respond to the unexpected challenges thrown at us.
Let’s delve deeper into this perspective and explore why leaders should consider choosing amusement over anger.
Facing The Inevitable
Running a business is rife with challenges, and how leaders choose to respond to these challenges is often reflective of their character, competence and effectiveness. A growing school of thought advises leaders to adopt a demeanor of amused detachment over anger when faced with unexpected issues. This might seem counterintuitive, but there is wisdom embedded in this philosophy.
Amusement, in this context, isn’t about trivializing the matter or making light of serious issues. Instead, it’s about maintaining a healthy sense of perspective, seeing the humor in human fallibility, and using this view to diffuse tension. It’s about leaders not allowing themselves to be dragged into a maelstrom of negativity which anger can so often create.
Conversely, anger, although a natural and sometimes justifiable reaction, can generate a slew of unwanted outcomes. It tends to cloud judgment, constrict perspective and drive reactionary rather than thoughtful responses. Moreover, it can foster a toxic environment, which further impairs a team’s ability to handle crises constructively.
Rethinking Traditional Leadership Models
Because unexpected issues are the norm rather than the exception, the conventional “command and control” leadership style, often powered by anger and intimidation, is increasingly seen as outdated and ineffective. In contrast, leaders who approach challenges with amusement show resilience, empathy and a willingness to embrace the inherent uncertainty of life. They inspire trust, creativity and openness within their teams.
Amusement in leadership is about promoting an environment where problems are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. Amused leaders see the irony in situations, the peculiarities of life and the idiosyncrasies of people. They know that, at times, the best response to a challenging problem is measured proximity and detachment—a topic I discuss in my previous Forbes Business Council article. They understand that an unexpected issue is simply another puzzle that needs to be solved and that becoming angry over its occurrence won’t help in its resolution.
Furthermore, leading with amusement fosters an environment of psychological safety, which has been shown to significantly enhance team performance. When leaders display a light-hearted, yet committed approach to problems, it signals to their team that it’s okay to make mistakes, as long as they’re willing to learn and grow from them. This can encourage risk-taking and innovation, both of which are essential for a thriving organization in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
Using Amusement To Disarm
Amused leadership helps in building stronger relationships. Amusement has a disarming effect. It breaks down barriers, humanizes leaders and engenders a spirit of camaraderie. People tend to gravitate towards leaders who exude positivity and light-heartedness, even in the face of adversity. This can lead to improved collaboration, better communication and increased commitment towards shared goals.
Science supports the benefits of choosing amusement over anger. Studies show that laughter and a light-hearted perspective can reduce stress, enhance cognitive functioning and improve overall wellbeing. Leaders who promote a culture of humor and amusement aren’t just helping make the organizational culture more pleasant, they’re also enhancing their team’s mental health and productivity.
However, it’s crucial to strike the right balance. Amusement should not be used as an excuse for avoiding hard decisions or diffusing accountability. There’s a fine line between fostering a healthy sense of humor and encouraging frivolity. The key is to maintain a sense of purpose and seriousness about achieving goals, while keeping the journey towards these goals enjoyable and engaging.
Keep in mind that adopting an amused disposition isn’t about downplaying the challenges leaders face, but rather about responding to them in a way that encourages positive outcomes. It’s about understanding the irrationality of anger in problem-solving and harnessing the power of amusement to create a supportive, innovative and resilient work environment. It’s about recognizing the complexities, ironies and absurdities of life and leadership, and choosing to smile at them instead of scowling. After all, life is too short, and the work too important, to be forever dictated by anger.
Forbes Business Council is the foremost growth and networking organization for business owners and leaders. Do I qualify?
Read the full article here