Gravitas. Grey hair. How many time have you heard these terms used in describing what we needed to provide in order to create a serious client engagement. And how many times have these ever proved to be the most important definers of success? Look at whom we venerate in business these days, not a lot of senior citizens, if you get my drift…
Not that I mind grey hair mind you…
Here’s that word again. Sometimes we take ourselves too gravely and sometimes our clients take themselves too acutely and the combination can be deadly.
We all know that a little laughter breaks down the biggest barriers and lightness of spirit does not mean lightness of thinking—not by any means.
Look at whom we venerate and the companies that consistently make it to the best places to work lists. For the most part, they have a spirit of fun in common.
So here is a thought from one of my favorite and fun and deep sources :
Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow.
- Oscar Wilde
I believe it takes confidence, assurance and faith from your peers and clients to create fun, laughter and an atmosphere of easy congeniality. You also have to deliver the goods, but then again, we always have to deliver.
Don’t be mistaken. This is not about being the class clown. People who can laugh at themselves tend to be more humble and modest (at least in my experience).
So don’t go out and buy any big red noses or over-sized shoes…well maybe the nose…seriously!
And don’t hide behind gravitas and the walls it creates.
What do you think?
I love this idea of not taking yourself too seriously. Clients are people too, and I think that we do not take this into consideration while spending 12 hours with them a day. Client relationships are a lot easier when you can laugh together. When things get tough, you have something to fall back on. In addition, being able to laugh at things shows people that you are open and not judgmental, which in turn, allows open and honest feedback, as well as people feeling comfortable to bring their innovative ideas up with you without feeling like they will be shot down.
“Humor is the affectionate communication of insight.”
Leo Rosten
Laughter is after all the best medicine…
Great post.
I like the idea of being able to laugh with both our clients and our colleagues; it makes the relationship feel far deeper and far more personal. After all, we’re in the marketing business, which tends to focus on creating a personal relationship between consumer and product – why shouldn’t we have that with our clients and partners?
as they say…LOL!!!!!!
And I am just happy to have hair where I want it.
Good thoughts this week.
at my age its where you dont…..
mmmmm !
be mindful of not falling on your humour sword….especially in the cross cultural arena…
“did you know the average human being has 1 testicle and 1 breast?”..yea my opening and final statistical gag was met by blank stares.
whoops!! i think i was taken out of context!!! but it was poor humour!!!