I had a leader once tell me that, “You connect with people during the scariest parts of change in a way that influences and energizes them, and I don’t know how you do it.”
My tongue was tied by that Southern fear of becoming a braggart, so I just mumbled an ineffectual “thank you.” If I were to replay the situation, which I have a million times in my head, here’s what I would say.
Big Hairy Change Secret: Laughter
Yes, please take a moment to write that down. The fact is that I laugh A LOT during times of change.
I might not be able to pen an entire manuscript on this secret, although authors have done it with less, but I believe it. Change requires an energy that is more relaxed than frantic, and that is what laughter provides.
Benefits of Laughter
- Laughter relaxes the entire body. A good, hearty laugh leaves your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes post-laugh.
- Laughter keeps sickness at bay. Laughter improves your resistance to illness by decreasing stress hormones and increasing immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
- Laughter triggers the feel-good chemicals. Known as endorphins, these chemicals promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
- Laughter protects the heart. Laughter protects you against heart-attacks or other cardiovascular diseases by improving the function of blood vessels and increasing blood flow. And laughing with others is more beneficial than laughing alone. So, leaders, change is the perfect time to encourage people to laugh.
Yea, But I’m Not That Funny
I’m not asking you to wear a big red nose or become Jerry Seinfeld at every meeting reflecting on how socks disappear in dryers. What I am saying is that you should allow and encourage laughter during times of change. Here’s why:
- Laughter can shift perspective. When something does not go according to plan, approach it with humor first. In the face of humor the power of the problem is diminished and the problem can be more easily solved.
- Laughter dissolves stress. Let the funny guy or gal, and there is always at least one, make quips in meetings. As long as its not sarcasm at the expense of others, the humor can provide a healthy release for the team.
- Laughter helps people recharge. When people are laughing in their cubicles, it’s usually because of a tough client or tricky situation. Don’t let the sour puss who complains about the noise ruin the moment. Laughter is contagious. Let it spread throughout your team.
Change requires energy, particularly when it’s new. Laughter is a great change accelerator and most people are desperate for it.
Laugh easily. Laugh freely. Let others laugh. I’ve used it. It works.
And I’ve never had to wear a clown nose.