Seriously Fun

Working with someone who hides their lack of skill or insecurities underneath an endless stream of meaningless, albeit funny quips, is a drain.

Equally draining is working with someone who seems incapable of cracking a smile or finds no joy in the work they do.

Taking your work seriously isn't the same thing as being overly serious.
Having fun at work isn’t the same thing as being the class clown.

Serious and fun can coexist at work and it’s amazing when they do.

Telling people to act a certain way isn’t enough. The environment you create sets the tone.

The feeling that a smile is a sign of weakness or that being overly serious is a sign of strength is a toxic cultural norm. Whether you want this to be the norm at your organization is up to you.