"In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun, and - SNAP - the job's a game!" This whimsical nugget from 🌂 Mary Poppins isn't just a catchy phrase—it's the cornerstone of my professional philosophy.
At a recent team meeting, I earned the title of "the arbiter of fun.” 🎉 A badge of honor now, but that wasn’t always the case. As a young professional, I grappled with the conventional narrative that a fun-loving disposition wasn’t suited for the business world. As a woman in the workplace, this disconnect between my vibrant persona and the expected stoic, professional demeanor fed my imposter syndrome.
Typecast as "the fun one," I was routinely tasked with planning social events and finding innovative ways to engage the team. Despite my intellect, strategic acumen, and strong work ethic, I worried that "fun" would eclipse my professional capabilities.
My transformation wasn't immediate. It required introspection, self-acceptance, and the harnessing of my unique qualities. I realized that being a beacon of positivity, a catalyst for creativity, and a magnet for people could fuel my career, not hinder it.
This realization steered me towards my career in Community Building and Strategy, a field that marries my playful and creative nature with strategic acumen. My role in leading Nearpod’s virtual user conference, Camp Engage, exemplifies this. The conference supports our user base and bolsters our brand, but the true success lies in the extra touches: inventive engagement methods, pun-filled communications, and a dynamic agenda. Without my natural playfulness and willingness to take creative risks, this conference would lose its memorable charm.
So, how has my playful persona evolved into a professional asset?
🤝 Empathetic Leadership Development: My demeanor has fostered essential leadership attributes like empathy, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, creating a nurturing work environment that encourages loyalty and productivity.
💡 Fueling Creativity and Collaboration: Fun is like a caffeine shot to the brain. It pushes me and my team to think outside of the box, ideate, and elevate our work.
⭐ Enhancing Visibility and Recognition: A reputation for positivity and energy ensures your contributions become memorable, reinforcing your essential role in team success.
Finding the right balance between a lively personality and professional competencies is like finding the perfect sprinkles-to-ice cream ratio. Overdo the playfulness and it becomes overwhelming; too little, and you risk being vanilla. But with the right balance, you create magic 🪄.
To professionals wrestling with their playful spirit, I say don't suppress it—embrace it. Not only will this enhance your workplace environment, but it will also carve out a unique and indispensable role for you within your organization.