#304 good humor

Today is the official day when levity is sanctioned and even encouraged.  So imagine what would happen to you if your birthday was on April 1.

Such was the case for my former boss.  Even though he was a college president, his day did not escape celebrations worthy of the date.  Over the years he had a special sign put on his parking spot, custom-designed water bottle labels that everyone at a meeting used, mock ads using his likeness, the giant bell from the original campus chained to his mailbox and a host of other pranks played on him. 

Once Keith off-handedly commented that a restroom in his office would be handy on days when he had back to back meetings.  So, sure enough, for next year's birthday celebration, the physical plant constructed a mock bathroom -- like you see in showrooms -- next to his desk -- complete with toilet, sink, reading materials and decor.  No one laughed more about it than he did.

Keith was one to join in pranks as well.  We still smile when reminiscing about how he feigned disapproval about a staff member wearing denim on her first day (never mind that it was a totally appropriate vest and we put him up to it.)  He wrote a mock letter from an attorney about an impending lawsuit due to a (tiny fender bender) accident by another employee.  He is retired now and his business cards read "Fly Fisherman Extraordinaire and Former Hot Shot."

The example Keith set with humor permeated the entire institution.  We laughed together and had good times.  It forged bonds that carried us through when things were tough.  It made him seem human, so people were more willing to be honest with him and share the bad news as well as good.  It made work a fun place to be.

As I reflect on my career, I have had bosses throughout that could participate in a good prank and could smile when the joke was on them.  Whether or not you play an April Fools' Joke or you exhibit your good naturedness in more subtle ways, try to use humor as part of your leadership repertoire.  Your staff will be glad that you did.

-- beth triplett
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