Remember - Have Fun!

Happy Thursday!  For the month of May, I’m focusing on the importance of maintaining a strong head-space as an org leader in tech.  Here’s what you need to know in under 2 minutes…

What tech leaders should be thinking about this week: Discovering and incorporating more fun into the professional experience.  I know, I know – you’re probably rolling your eyes. But especially after this week, one way to keep a strong (and clear) head-space as a leader is to include more fun into the workday.  I define “fun” beyond the forced-fun we’ve all experienced across tech (think awkward happy-hour or random team-building activities).  I think it’s some of that … and the prioritization of activities + thinking that get leaders out of the 24/7 serious space of managing.  For me, it’s stuff like smiling more, getting outside, moving the body, not working on the weekends, etc.  Bottom line – finding ways to not think about the business all the time can lead to a lot more fun.

Why this is important:  Catherine Price, author of “The Power of Fun,” said it best:  You only live (and work) once, so why not incorporate more fun into your experience?   I’ve seen leaders who have more fun be more effective in their role and advance faster, which makes total sense … who wants to work with someone who’s always serious or doesn’t like to disconnect?Incorporating more fun will be inspirational to your team(s) as well – they’ll be more likely to follow a leader who knows the importance of a little more fun.

Simple “Go-Do’s” for tech leaders/performers:  Spend 15 minutes creating your list of fun activities to incorporate into your (and your team’s) experience. Specifically think about:

·     Where can you be less critical of yourself and others throughout the day? Think during feedback interactions and/or how you’re showing-up with team members in conversation.

·     How can you move your body more during atypical day? Can you get outside more and/or find ways to experience work outside the office?

·     When can programs/initiatives/work pause to celebrate? Are there opportunities to thank people for their work and/or have some fun around deadlines?

·     Who’s having fun that you can mirror?What individuals seem to be having more fun in the office and find out how they prioritize their workday(s)

·     What new/additional fun activities can your team create for themselves? Don’t feel like you need to come-up with all the fun on your own – ask your team what they want!

Value Add – Additional ways to show-up as a leader:  Anytime there are layoffs happening in the tech industry, it’s a great reminder to check-in with your team members for a temperate check. Ask them about their experience and their level of satisfaction. Find out what additional work may make their work more engaging. See if there’s feedback for you as their leader. This will show that(1) you’re aware of what’s happening in the market and (2) you’re prioritizing their experience as they continue to drive impact for the organization.

New/improved dedicated newsletter page!  Know someone who’s looking for quick/easy ways to show-up better as a tech leader/performer? Forward them this mail or have them sign-up directly on the new/improved newsletter page on theEngaged Pursuit website.

Here’s to your Engaged Pursuit!