Leaders,

A tendency toward grimness and seriousness can stifle a team's environment and limit it's creativity. You can tell right away when you visit a group where no one is having any fun - people look like they are running around with tight underpants on. They are longing to lighten up, but they have no permission.

These days, leaders and managers are being offered courses in humor. These classes don't teach the art of telling a good joke; they are aimed at helping people contact something they already have inside - their sense of humor. Increasing someone's natural ability to see the funny side of a situation will have a direct bearing on his or her effectiveness with others.

Today's leaders must relearn the value of a smile or they will be unable to fire up the ability of their people to find connection to their group. So start thinking smiles until you become a smile millionaire. People will be glad to see you coming.

ACTION ITEM: Take what you do seriously but yourself lightly!