When we think about leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like healthcare, "fun" might not be the first word that comes to mind. Yet, bringing joy into leadership practices can transform not only how we work but the outcomes we achieve. Here’s why fun is more than just a perk—it's a necessity.
A Healthcare Change Leadership Journey: How I Discovered the Power of Fun
Years ago, I stepped into a leadership role in an emergency department. As someone who thrives on professional development and new challenges, I was eager to make an impact. So, when I received an email inviting me to participate in a new leader orientation program, I was thrilled.
The program promised five workshops over five months, with opportunities for small group discussions in between. I couldn’t wait to dive in. I even asked my co-supervisor, Lisa, what she thought of the program. When she told me, “We didn’t have anything like that when I started,” I felt even luckier.
But then I attended the first session. It was…boring. Picture this: 60 minutes of someone reading PowerPoint slides over Zoom. The presenter was knowledgeable, sure, but the material wasn’t engaging. I held out hope that the next session would be better, but unfortunately, the same dry approach persisted.
The sole exception was a session led by a pharmacist who brought systems thinking to life. Unlike the others, he shared personal stories, engaged participants in discussions, and created a dynamic environment. I wasn’t even attending this session live—I was vacuuming my house while listening to the recording—but I found myself fully immersed in the content. It was transformative.
This stark contrast taught me a powerful lesson: content alone isn’t enough. If we want people to engage with change, the process needs to be as inspiring as the outcome.
Transforming My Healthcare Leadership Approach During COVID
The importance of joy in leadership hit me again during the COVID-19 pandemic. As an emergency department leader, I faced one of the toughest challenges of my career: managing the chaos of surges while keeping my team afloat.
To tackle this, I created a service design team composed of frontline staff. This wasn’t just a task force—it was a strategic leadership practice aimed at addressing operational challenges while fostering creativity and connection.
We started each session with design-thinking exercises. These weren’t just icebreakers; they were carefully crafted activities designed to spark creativity and build trust. By focusing on fun and engagement, we didn’t just solve operational issues—we strengthened our team’s sense of community and purpose.
Why Fun and Joy Matter in Change Leadership
Fun isn’t a luxury—it’s a strategic tool. Research shows that when teams enjoy their work, they’re more creative, collaborative, and resilient. In healthcare, where burnout and turnover are constant threats, fostering joy can make all the difference.
Think about it: when was the last time you were truly excited about a meeting, a workshop, or a change initiative? Now imagine if every leadership interaction felt like an opportunity to connect, laugh, and learn.
Creating these moments of joy isn’t just about morale—it’s about outcomes. Engaged healthcare leadership drives innovation and ensures teams remain committed to their goals, even when the stakes are high.
Practical Strategies to Bring Joy into Leadership
So, how can leaders bring fun into their practices without compromising professionalism? Here are some effective healthcare leadership tools I’ve found useful:
Connect with Personal Stories
Personal anecdotes, like the one I shared about the pharmacist, make complex concepts relatable. They also create an emotional connection that dry facts and figures simply can’t.
Make Space for Creativity
Design-thinking exercises, brainstorming games, or even lighthearted icebreakers can set the tone for more open, collaborative discussions.
Celebrate Wins
Whether it’s a major milestone or a small victory, take time to acknowledge and celebrate achievements. These moments build momentum and foster a sense of progress.
Invite Feedback
Ask your team: What would make this process more enjoyable for you? Listening and acting on their input shows that you value their experience and perspective.
Create Community
Joy often comes from connection. Facilitate opportunities for your team to bond, whether through shared activities, team-building exercises, or simply creating a culture of mutual support.
Lessons for Healthcare Leaders
Healthcare leadership comes with its own unique challenges. The problems we face—staffing shortages, system inefficiencies, patient care demands—are daunting. But that doesn’t mean the process of addressing them has to be joyless.
When we prioritize fun and engagement, we create environments where people feel valued, motivated, and inspired. This isn’t just good for morale—it’s essential for driving meaningful, lasting change.
As a healthcare leader, ask yourself:
How can I make change-making more engaging?
What can I do to foster joy and collaboration within my team?
How can I ensure that the process of solving problems is as fulfilling as the solutions themselves?
Fun as a Leadership Strategy
The importance of fun isn’t limited to healthcare. Across industries, leaders are finding that joy is a powerful catalyst for engagement, innovation, and success.
Take a moment to reflect on your own healthcare change leadership practices. Are they inspiring? Are they engaging? Are they fun? If not, what small changes could you make today to create a more joyful environment for yourself and your team?
Join the Conversation
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
DM me on Instagram, or better yet, listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcast where I share even more insights and stories about why fun matters in leadership.
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Leadership is hard work, but it doesn’t have to be boring. Together, let’s reimagine what it means to lead with joy.
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