Five ways to fun-i-fy your leadership

I'm leading a workshop session at a big annual conference soon. It's all about upping the fun element in charity retail - in high-street shops, in meetings and in day-to-day work.

It's been the best fun getting it together.

I've chatted to brilliant leaders in the sector and laughed out loud hearing about the wild and wacky ways they're funifying their work practices and spaces.

These leaders know that when their staff and volunteers have fun, magic happens! Sales increase. Goals are met.

And they, as leaders, are happier, more productive and more resilient too.

Fun really is a win-win.

It’s not easy, I know.

Leading in the not-for-profit world can be hugely draining, I know. It's a struggle dealing with the ongoing challenges of not enough people, funding, time and resources.

Sometimes, I know you feel completely overwhelmed by the huge task on your hands.

And, of course, that is not remotely fun.

The issues you’re tackling may be grim, too. Ending child labour. Supporting women who’ve experienced domestic violence or survivors of torture. These are tough issues and bringing fun in seems somehow wrong, doesn’t it?

I really get that.

And – you still want to be getting that fun in when you can.

Here’s why it's so vital

• Having some fun and a bit of a laugh releases the ‘happy’ hormones, dopamine and serotonin into your brain. These two neurotransmitters are crucial for creating a positive and resilient mindset, much needed if you’re to truly thrive in your leadership role
• It’s not disrespectful of the people you work with, or those you support, to let some lightheartedness in to work however tough the issues you're working with. In fact, it’s a buffer against the stress, serious illness and burn out which stop leaders making their very best contribution
• When you let your hair down and get some fun into your life and work, you model to your team that it’s not all a grind, too. It shows that playfulness is acceptable, encouraged even.
• A warm, relaxed, playful atmosphere lends itself to being a happy place to work. And when people are happy they are more productive, more committed to their roles and less likely to move on
• Fun, playful interaction creates connection and builds trust between colleagues who may not get a chance to be together in one place very often. The fallout of the pandemic has shown just how important this low-key, warm and informal connection is.

Some fun ideas

1. Start small – look for micro-fun opportunities. Invite colleagues to take it in turns to start a meeting with a playful ice-breaker, such as what made them laugh at the weekend or a favourite comedy pet moment. These mini shares can be hugely powerful

2. Make sure there is slack in the day or in the agenda of a meeting where fun can naturally bubble up. Don’t be the one to close down an anecdote or bit of banter by rushing on with the agenda

3. Create opportunities for organised fun - if people choose to do it – the doughnut run, the informal Friday afternoon hangout on Zoom and so on. Ideally others get to organise these, but show up yourself every now and again, too

4. I’m noticing more non-profit organisations getting their teams back together for more real, live awaydays after the pandemic. Big encouragement to do that, too. There are so many pluses. Spontaneous fun is likely to spring up all over the place, such as in coffee-breaks or in discussions and workshops, and, of course, you can bring fun in more formally, with inspiring speakers, creative team-building activities and silly quiz-games

5. And finally, consider how you can find more fun in your home life. It'll show up in you as a leader at work if you’re getting a good dose of fun outside work. What makes you smile? What gives you a laugh? What lifts your heart?

I invite you to take that seriously.

Thank you for reading this article in my Loving Leadership newsletter. I hope it's inspired you in the amazing work you do.

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Katie Duckworth is an infectiously enthusiastic change-maker, cheer-leader and inspirer of mission-driven leaders and their teams working all out for a better world. Her coaching is warm and empowering. Her training, practical, engaging and fun.