A friend sent me this video. It is short, so spend 60 seconds and watch it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3rK0kZFkg
Many of you probably do not remember Senator Al Franken on Saturday Night Live, but he also did an affirming character called Stuart Smalley. Here is the punch line to every Stuart Smalley bit – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DIETlxquzY.
There are two things that hit me about the first video.
First, it is good to laugh. It lowers blood pressure, decreases stress, and increases creativity – just to name a few benefits. For a team, it helps reset the tone so individually we can be at our best going into a discussion, a big project, or a verbal battle to ensure we make a great decision.
Secondly, I am still amazed at the impact of any exercise where teammates share the things they value about each other. I remember one individual after a 3 to 1 activity (receiving three positives from a teammate / 1 area to work on) say “I am a little shamed to admit it because it makes me sound like a %#*!&, but it felt good having people remind me what I am good at.” Become the mirror for someone else.
Sometimes to be at our best and to get the best out of our team (ie. talent management) – we just need to hit reset. Enjoy the laughter, and find a way to make it contagious for a few minutes at your next team meeting.