"Fun" a Leadership Strategy

Beyond Mundane: The Power of Fun in Leadership

“Beyond mundane.” That’s part of the very definition of fun. Not a high bar — yet somehow, it feels radical when applied to work.

We usually reserve the word for children, wild adventures, or weekend escapes. Fun is that restorative feeling — a lift of joy and levity. But how often do we ask: Could that feeling belong at work? And if it did... what would happen?

When I bring up “fun” in leadership rooms, especially with executives, I often get eye rolls or polite smiles. Why? Because somewhere along the line, we drew a boundary: fun is for later. It's childish. It doesn't belong in serious work.

We’ve equated fun with frivolity — like running through the halls in a tutu or cracking stand-up comedy at staff meetings. But that’s not what I mean.

I’m talking about infusing joy and lightness into our culture. Building teams that lift you up, where people walk into the room energized, respected, challenged, and worthy. Where smiles come naturally — not because things are easy, but because the environment feels alive.

Twenty years ago, I worked with a brilliant group to design a multidisciplinary care program — no small feat. I had no authority, no formal title, no control. What I had was a vision: to build unity and trust so we could deliver better care.

The work was tough. The hours were long. The stakes were high.

And yet — when we talk about it today, one word keeps coming up: fun.

Not because we threw parties every week or wore costumes. But because there was a connection. Synergy. Creativity. Laughter. Thoughtfulness. Respect. We worked hard, we celebrated progress, and we genuinely enjoyed being in it together. We genuinely liked each other and respected the work and contributions of individuals.

Don’t settle for the mundane. Don’t sell yourself short in what you dare to create.

Fun isn’t childish — it’s life-giving. It’s what sustains momentum and unlocks what’s possible.

And if you need more than my word for it, check out the Forbes article Elevating Leadership through the Science of Fun. The research backs it up:

• Moments of joy boost creativity and innovation.

• Fun reduces stress, leading to clearer thinking and better decisions.

• Teams with high morale are more productive, resilient, and collaborative.

A caveat:

Great leadership is strategic and intentional. Untethered “fun” can absolutely lead to chaos or distraction. But when anchored in purpose and clarity, fun becomes fuel. It becomes culture. It becomes a force for performance.

So go ahead — lighten the air and bring the fun. See what happens...