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The Value of Whimsy
August 15, 2012
Creative activity could be described as a type of learning process where teacher and pupil are located in the same individual.
-Arthur Koestler
In the Exchange Essential: Leadership Challenges, Bonnie and I talk about some of the paradoxes of leadership.  One paradox we address:

To accomplish the most serious results, you need to believe in the value of whimsy.

"Never underestimate the value of humor.  Why did laughter get the bad rap for indicating lack of seriousness, slacking off?  Our staff meetings are great fun.  When an outsider overhears the tone of our meetings, he or she will usually comment with something like:  'There was so much laughing going on. How do you get anything done?'

"It is the laughter that binds us together, that creates an environment and a sense of teamwork that enables people to share their joys and sorrows, as well as their frustrations and needs.  People who can laugh at and with each other, trust each other....

"A playful approach to life issues, whether personal or professional, fosters creative potential, reduces stress, and just makes living a whole lot better."






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Comments (3)

Displaying All 3 Comments
Victoria Herrera · August 15, 2012
Head Start CDC
Stockton, Ca, United States


Love the quotes in the article and enjoyedthe information

Sherri Owenby · August 15, 2012
Marion, NC, United States


As a former Director, my staff meetings were a time that the staff enjoyed and came together. I truly believe that humor helped to bring us together. We laughed, we cried and we encouraged each other. Thank you for an uplifting article on the value of humor.

MARY JO HUFF · August 15, 2012
STORYTELLIN' TIME
NEWBURGH, IN, United States


Great article about humor. A comment I cherish is "I cannot believe the children are learning so much while they are having so much fun and laughing, laughing, laughing!" This came from a parent who sent 5 children to our pre-school. Thanks!



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