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Additional Tools in the Toolbelt: Understanding Laughter

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Humans have a “detector” that responds to laughter by triggering other neural circuits in the brain, which, in turn, generates more laughter. This explains why laughter is contagious,” according to Robert Provine’s work [1].

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Why Laughing Matters

Laughter is beyond just amusement, it actually bolsters our immune system, allowing us to endure more of life’s discomfort with more strength and ease.

It is even a natural painkiller! The endorphins released during laughter help individuals manage pain and discomfort more effectively.

It even facilitates better breathing as the blood gets more oxygenated during the process.

Laughter acts as a bridge to sociability, making interactions with others smoother and more enjoyable. As communication enhances, there are also more opportunities for empathy to flourish, further deepening relationships.

Business Performance

The stress relief experienced through laughter during personal time can have helpful anxiety reducing effects during work hours.

Because laughter releases tensions, it allows for natural creativity to flow more easily, and for big problems to seem much more solvable with a lighter perspective and more innovative solutions.

Because of its contagious nature, it may spread around a workplace or meeting. This may seem insignificant, but over time, it helps to mold a more desirable place for employment, thereby increasing retention.

Customer and team support enhances, as communication organically improves, allowing for idea contribution and question asking to happen more easily. 

Practical Applications

Participating in local improv comedy introductory classes or workshops is an immersive way to overcome barriers and discomfort. These are supportive environment for embracing spontaneity and unleashing creative expression. Inviting an improv comedy expert to lead a workshop within your organization can help mold a more effective workplace atmosphere.

Listen to some comedy before being socially interactive. It does not require very much time to have a significant effect, even 10 minutes will help open up an individual to interact more easily with others, by experiencing laughter beforehand.

The simple act of smiling in front of a mirror is a subtle yet impactful way to cultivate laughter. Even if your initial smile is forced, the mirror acts as a feedback loop, eventually transitioning the effort into genuine amusement. This practice can set a positive tone for your day and interactions.

Find a reason to laugh, even in the face of challenge or struggle. This doesn’t diminish the seriousness of situations; instead, it introduces a fresh perspective that encourages resilience. Even if the situation may not obviously lend itself to laughter, there may be a way to weave it in and lift everyone’s mood.

Some even keep a laughter journal, where they take time to write down events or ideas that happen that bring them laughter. By journaling, one is bringing great significance to the event, reinforcing its impact and future participation.

There is no limit to how you can incorporate this into your daily routine. As you pay attention to your needs & particular taste for comedy, it will become organic for you to invite in states of healthy laughter.

Incorporating laughter into a regular routine can be a deliberate practice that becomes more seamless over time. Especially when one is in a particularly tough spot, allowing oneself to laugh can help recenter to what is most important and unhinge from aspects of secondary importance. As we laugh, we may find that more of our real self is coming through.

It may be easy to perceive laughter as “that pleasant thing that happened” or “something that occurs when things are going well.” However, we can adjust and upgrade our perspective to see that laughter is an incredibly relevant tool in the toolbox. It equips us to tackle life’s challenges with a more upright stature and a centered state of mind.

Embracing Age Diversity: A Necessary ‘Skill’ in the Workforce

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The workforce today is more diverse in age than ever before, spanning five generations, and will soon include Gen Alpha, who are still teenagers but on their way. This multi-generational dynamic presents opportunities and challenges for leaders and employees alike. Age diversity in the workforce is not a new topic however, when great candidates emphasize their ability to work effectively with individuals of all ages, it sends a clear message that age diversity is an important topic and a significant consideration for leadership and employees at all levels of the organization.

There has been much discussion about developing age-inclusive workplaces and the many benefits of multi-generational teams. At the organizational level, age is often overlooked as part of an organization’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) strategy.  However, there is much we can do on an individual level to successfully embrace and leverage age diversity in the workplace. It is crucial to reflect upon and remind ourselves, on an individual level, of the required mindset and skills, which often overlap with those needed for positive work culture and success in any environment.

Recognize that an individual’s position within an organization is a result of their own abilities, knowledge, and contributions. For example, there are numerous accomplished Gen Z CxOs in the workforce who have rightfully earned their leadership roles and achieved success in their positions. Similarly, we also encounter many successful Boomers and Gen Xers across organizations, demonstrating their proficiency and expertise in their respective roles. Embracing age diversity means applying this principle in both directions. Age should not be a decisive factor in assessing someone’s worth or the value they bring to the organization.

Respect colleagues and peers. When respect frames our work ethos, every aspect of our interactions from communication to conflict resolution will be positively affected and contribute to a positive work culture. Provide constructive feedback respectfully. Accept constructive feedback as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Set aside age stereotypes. Age should not be used as a basis for judgment and blame. Success and performance should not be attributed to age but to individual factors. Consider the person and not the age.

Listen and discuss. Everyone has something to learn and something to teach. Age should not prevent us from either. Life-long learning has no age boundaries, and teaching others has no age boundaries either.

Life experience is present at any age and stage. It may differ in duration or content from others but offers a unique and valuable perspective due to these differences and should be acknowledged and appreciated.

Age diversity is a complex issue that requires consideration at both the organizational and individual levels. At the organizational level, seeking guidance from experts and consultants can be beneficial in designing, promoting, and implementing age-diverse policies and practices. Simultaneously, individuals at all levels within the organization must also take a proactive approach by reflecting on their own attitudes and adopting the mindsets and skillsets to actively embrace age diversity. Creating a culture that genuinely embraces age diversity fosters inclusive and productive work environments that harness the collective strengths and experiences of employees across all generations. Embracing age diversity on an individual level is not just a skill but a vital element in cultivating successful and positive work environments.

Staying Level-Headed During Tumultuous Times

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The competition is gaining momentum. There’s a recession. Threat of job cuts. Rumors about inflation growing. Political changes that rattle your employees… There are many factors that can affect one’s emotions throughout the workday. Though that doesn’t mean that we should lose our whole afternoon stressing or take out those disruptive emotions on those around us (especially in front of other employees). Let’s be fair, no one likes displaying negative emotions and no employee enjoys have their boss screaming at them or making a smug, snarky comment to show off that they have the upper hand. Taking a short moment away could make a world of difference for yourself and your team.

What are some of the best practices to bring back the balanced mindset when a moment arises when we are unsure if we can contain the negative emotions quickly enough to manage efficiently? First, take a deep breath and respectfully communicate that you are going to need a few minutes to clear your head (try for no more than 15 minutes, tops!). Then remove yourself from the area to take the allotted time.

Take a walk. Outside. Many experts recommend taking a walk outside as the fresh air can do wonders for the body.  If we work in a large facility or have a gym in the building, its easy to take a quick power walk somewhere indoors. Movement of the body will revitalize your blood flow; Oxygen will boost brain function and clear out the disruptive emotions and then sun will supply your body with Vitamin D (a natural mood enhancer).

Quick Stretch or Workout. Find a sufficient space in your office to get active and revamp your blood circulation. If you aim for a good stretch, then you will feel refreshed and have less tension in your muscles. If you aim for the quick workout, then you will return with a more driven mindset, with some blood pumping, and some slightly sore muscles.

Grab a Snack. Having a quick bite to eat to regain control the emotions as human emotions tend to be harder to control when our bodies are lacking the proper nourishment. For the best boost in brain function, go for foods like: berries, nuts, sunflower seeds, or other superfoods. If you are still looking for something on the healthier side but are really just looking for something to nosh on, you can go for something like dry/fresh fruit, a power bar, or even some dark chocolate.

(If possible) Take a Nap. A quick power nap is all you might need to jumpstart your creativity when facing tough emotions. It is the human version to “turning it off-then-back-on again”! A good, quick REM cycle can refresh not just your brain power, but the potentially sore eyes you may be having at that point. Though, if you run into resistance from your team, for this method, speak with them about where would be best spot for you to do this without affecting their workflow, or explain why a nap will be more beneficial for the team as a whole.

There are many other different methods of how a person can approach difficult times for taking the time needed to bring yourself back to balance before really tackling the issue at hand. Some methods could include internal team activity breaks or even industry specific approaches (if you’re in the restaurant industry you may be familiar with the phrase “Go Cry in the Walk in”). Whatever approach you choose to take, you can stop the situation from turning into one of the “Mountain out of a molehill kind.”

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

Building Strategic Partnerships: The Lesser-Known Benefits

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Value realization awaits, and the opportunities may be hidden in our partnerships.

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The full potential of a relationship may extend beyond the initial intentions of forming. Here are ways to synergize additional win-wins in partnerships:

Talent Attraction and Retention

Connecting with the right companies can enhance an organization’s employer brand, making it an attractive destination for top-tier talent. Strong partnerships with reputable organizations can signal to prospective employees that the company is well-connected and committed to creating an enriching work environment. Moreover, collaboration often leads to skill-sharing programs, which empower existing employees to learn and grow, increasing overall job satisfaction and retention rates.

Long-Term Stability and Succession Planning

Feeling empowered about your future leadership is essential. Your strategic partner may already have a relationship with a talent search and acquisition company. A candidate, fitting of your organization’s long-term needs, may be introduced to you via your partner. Additionally, leaders can explore joint ventures or shared ownership arrangements with complementary businesses that provide a sustainable path forward. These approaches can help preserve the organization’s legacy and create a smoother transition plan for the future.

Competitive Edge in Bidding and Procurement

Many industries, particularly in the government or large enterprise sectors, require businesses to have a strong track record and the capacity to fulfill substantial projects. Partnering with other reputable companies can strengthen the bid, showcasing a collective ability to deliver comprehensive solutions and win larger contracts.

Access to Government Incentives and Grants

Collaborations with public sector organizations or research institutions can open doors to government incentives, grants, and funding opportunities. Leaders exploring partnerships in research and development, sustainability, or social projects may find support from government programs aimed at fostering innovation and societal betterment. Such incentives can significantly boost an organization’s financial resources for critical projects.

Improved Regulatory Compliance

In heavily regulated industries, strategic partnerships can aid in achieving and maintaining compliance with complex laws and regulations. By teaming up with partners well-versed in compliance matters, leaders can ensure that their organization stays abreast of the latest requirements and standards. This reduces the risk of non-compliance penalties and reputational damage. This teamwork allows the organization to focus on their core competencies and mission, creating more successes for the partnership.

Leveraging Shared Research and Development (R&D) Initiatives

Strategic partnerships can lead to shared R&D initiatives, allowing organizations to pool resources, knowledge, and expertise. By collaborating on research projects, leaders can accelerate product development timelines, reduce costs, and increase the likelihood of breakthrough innovations.

Having transparent communication, flexibility in strategy, and measuring success through key performance indicators (KPIs) will help the partnership keep strong roots and productivity. There are often incentives to deepen and develop relationships beyond what could have been initially known. Expanding the opportunities for collaboration will enrich a strategic long-term vision and naturally encourage a dynamic joint work ethic.

Do you have comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions? Share with us at: [email protected]

The Power of Responsiveness

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Your inbox is packed, and your voicemail is full. There is a line outside your office, or you are pinged incessantly. You feel like telling everyone to take a number. Being responsive is a conscious and powerful decision that has numerous positive effects on your business and personal relationships, not to mention, a reflection of good old-fashioned decency. Lack of responsiveness can be your downfall.  

Responsiveness requires you to carve out time daily and to prioritize responsiveness as a critical task. 

Responsiveness implies communicating in a timely fashion – and may depend on the situation – from immediately to 48 hours but not beyond. 

Responsiveness demonstrates empathy towards the other individual. You may not share the same concern but understand that it is an important concern for THEM and therefore merits a response. 

Responsiveness does not mean that you must provide a final answer YET but acknowledge the communication and establish a timeline. 

Responsiveness builds trust and loyalty; it strengthens connections and relationships. 

Responsiveness demonstrates a sign of respect and value for another person’s time and effort and for that individual. 

Lack of responsiveness sends an equally strong message of disrespect, and devaluing of the other individual or their time, effort, or inquiry. 

Being proactive in your communications is also a type of responsiveness, eg sending a follow-up after an important meeting, a summary of next steps, a thank you after an interview, etc. 

Responsiveness has a positive impact on others, it is a time-saving activity in the long run and can lead to overall business and personal success. 

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