Our 10-part mini-series on Seamless Project Execution and Management continues. Secret #4 brings in the funny! Who says, “There’s no laughing in project management”?? Not me!
In the world of project management, amidst all the charts, timelines, and meetings, injecting a dose of humor can be a game-changer. As a seasoned project manager with a fondness for a good laugh, I understand the transformative power of humor. In this journey through Secret #4, we’ll explore how a little humor can go a long way in energizing your team and enhancing productivity.
The Importance of Humor in the Workplace:
Picture this: a workplace buzzing with laughter and chuckles. Humor has the remarkable ability to break down barriers, reduce stress, and foster a sense of camaraderie. It\’s like a secret sauce that can spice up the most mundane of tasks.
Story Time – “I’m a Little Teapot”:
When I work with teams, we generally set up rules, especially for meetings. We have set rules like cell phones go into the basket once you enter the room; or anyone breaking a rule must put $1 for each rule broken, into the petty cash jar and the money at the end of the project was used for a party or given to charity. One project team decided to add a pinch of fun to their meetings. They introduced a playful rule: anyone arriving late had to either put money in the lunch jar or perform a nursery rhyme. It was their way of promoting punctuality and sprinkling a bit of humor into their routine.
One regular, run-of-the-mill morning, the project team and I were going over the agenda and goals for the day when the door swung open, and in walked Barry, a 50-something-year-old team member, slightly late. Now, Barry had worked at the company for over 20 years so he was known by all and known to be a man of his word, but alas, he had no cash on hand. The team erupted in playful laughter, reminding him of the nursery rhyme penalty.
With a little hesitation, Barry stood up, walked to the front of the room, cleared his throat, and began, “I’m a little teapot, short and stout…” What followed was nothing short of a comic spectacle. Barry enthusiastically performed the nursery rhyme, complete with the iconic teapot dance moves, causing the entire team to burst into fits of laughter. Of course, I caught it on camera but I promised to never show it if he promised to be on time. I call that “leverage”. Ha, ha!
The ice was broken, tensions were eased, and the meeting proceeded in an atmosphere of light-heartedness and camaraderie. Barry’s bravery in embracing the moment set the tone for future meetings, where humor became an integral part of their team dynamics.
Utilizing Humor for Team Productivity:
- Stress Reduction and Improved Morale: Humor is a stress-buster. It lightens the mood and reduces tension, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable work environment. Happier team members are more likely to be engaged and productive. Consider keeping some funny-face stress balls or colorful fidget toys at your desk or take them to your meetings. A correlation between working with our hands and increased memory and creativity has been shown so it’s possible that fidgeting with something like this could not only add a little lightness and stress-busting but could help the team to focus.
- Enhanced Communication: Humor can break down communication barriers and encourage team members to express themselves more freely. When laughter fills the room, ideas flow more naturally, and creativity is sparked. Don’t be afraid to crack a joke. I often start out meetings or events where I will be doing most of the talking. It not only loosens up the room, but it knocks out some of the stage fright or anxiety I am likely experiencing at the moment. No, not all my jokes hit so I will be keeping my day job but people often laugh at the attempt and it serves the same purpose.
- Team Bonding and Cohesion: Laughter promotes a sense of togetherness. Sharing a good laugh creates bonds among team members, fostering a culture of unity and cooperation. And how great would it be to be known as “the fun project manager”? Everyone would want to serve on your team and come to your meetings. What could be better?
Conclusion: In the grand theater of project management, humor takes center stage as the star performer. Its ability to reduce stress, improve communication, and strengthen team bonds makes it an invaluable tool for every project manager. By infusing a little humor into your team\’s daily routine, you not only create a vibrant and enjoyable work atmosphere but also supercharge productivity and creativity.
So, go ahead, bring out the laughter, embrace the hilarity, and let the magic of humor elevate your projects to new heights. As the saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine” – and in the world of project management, it’s the best catalyst for success.
Did you miss Secret #3 regarding the importance of communication? Be sure to catch all 10 secrets to Seamless Project Execution and Management.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
