#1 Different is Good:
Being different and unique makes something funny, said Aristotle . The clown is always “the other” in the room, different. It is the source of the power of the clown.
Leaders should not be scared to be different. On the contrary- Be Unique. Be yourself. Stand out. Bring a different voice and perspective to the room. Celebrate differences!
#2 Show Vulnerability:
Clowns build connections and trust by showing vulnerability. It makes them relatable and approachable. It empowers the people they serve as they can help the clown.
Leaders should be able to show vulnerability. By being authentic and real, they build trust and openness that are key elements for a productive and constructive relationship with the people around them.
#3 Lean into the Uncomfortable:
Clowns intentionally jump into complicated and uncomfortable situations, with the intention to bring ease into them.
Leaders should not shy away from difficult conversations and situations. They should lean into the situation to be helpful in solving the problem.
#4 It's not a Competition:
Clowns do not compete with other clowns. They complement them, collaborate with them, and empower them, as they work together for the same goal.
Leaders should support and collaborate with others and empower them, not compete with them, to create synergy and greater success.
#5 Share Your Failures, Keep Inspiring:
Clowns might intentionally “fail” with a magic trick. That is to show that they are not perfect. But when they want to create inspiration, they complete the trick and create magic in the room.
Leaders should share their mistakes and failures, take responsibility and be transparent. But the most important thing is to always try to create magic and inspire others.
#6 Change the Situation:
Clowns are the chaos in the orderly and the order in the chaotic. They try to create a balance and shift the state of mind in the room.
Leaders should not be scared to shake things up when they are “too quiet” and are expected to create order when there’s chaos.
#7 Use Humor!:
Clowns use humor as a way of breaking tension, making a rough situation more bearable, and to have open communication.
Leaders can use humor to set the mood for lighter conversations, to create a positive work climate, and to show that they don’t take themselves too seriously (just make sure the humor is appropriate 😊).
#8 Be a Risk Taker:
Clowns take risks. They might not know what they are going to get into when walking into the room, but they are determined to bring something positive to the situation. And if it’s not the right place to be, they move on.
Leaders should take risks- try new things, encourage new thoughts, create new opportunities. And if they don’t work – move on.
#9 Be the Voice of Those Who Need it:
Clowns, or buffoons, in classic theater comedies, at times serve as the voice that cannot be expressed by others in the play, and by that help solve problems while remaining “in the shadow”. A hospital clown can be a voice for the people in the situation.
Leaders should strive to be the voice for those who cannot share their own voice in the organization, they should help solve problems, even if it means with no recognition.
#10 Make it Extraordinary:
“With great power comes great responsibility” (Stan Lee). Clowns are ordinary people, taking on the responsibility to do extraordinary things.
Leaders are ordinary people who can help others become extraordinary. That is their responsibility.
Adopt a clown state of mind to get serious business done!
Kommentit