You can never underestimate the power of making a fool of yourself. You should try it sometime. It makes people laugh. It makes you laugh. It makes everyone feel a little better. But there’s a reason why we often don’t. But in making a fool of yourself, there’s a very powerful creative juice that gets set forth without having to light a doobie or have a hit of the devil’s dandruff.
So, I’ll tell you. But first, I want to explain something so it sounds far less ridiculous.
See, the truth is, particularly in a work setting people rarely wants to step out or make any sort of difference. And I want to be very clear — I am a part of the problem.
Everyone wants you to ‘add value’ or ‘contribute to the discussion’. But who really wants to see that? What do we really look at when we’re knee deep in the couch and leg deep in a glass of Chateau Cheval?
People making fools of themselves. But that alone can’t be the answer, surely?
No, it is not.
Oftentimes you hear about how the most successful people in the world go through failure before they succeed.
But there’s one thing that often gets omitted from these stories, one element that goes untalked about.
The failures are usually public.
Now, this insight might seem a little strange for the creative method I’m about to dole out (and believe me, it’s hardly advice at all), but there is a genuine need for people to try and fail (especially publicly).
I am convinced that I am (for the most part) a fairly boring person. I occasionally do interesting things, think interesting thoughts and even sometimes speak with an upward inflection, but the fact is, I am rather dull. I am a principle first person. I don’t love shine.
Sometimes when I hear myself talk in a meeting I sound like a microwave reluctantly heating up macaroni cheese on a medium-low heat.
But I promise, my creative insight is rather fun and very simple and it’s based on two principles that I’ve already mentioned.
- NOBODY WANTS TO MAKE A FOOL OF THEMSELVES
- NO ONE WANTS TO MAKE FOOLS OF THEMSELVES PUBLICLY
So, what’s this got to do with a method?
Well, the reason I haven’t mentioned it yet is because it’s quite silly as Graham Chapman would say. Very silly indeed. My creative method is:
Hiding under your desk.
That’s it. That’s the method.
But don’t just hide under your desk, tell someone about it. Lead the charge of silliness front on. There’s honestly been too many times to count where my brain hasn’t been functioning as it often doesn’t. But let me tell you, that popping under my desk, even for a few moments has been a god send.
It’s great. You’re not supposed to be there. But it feels oddly satisfying. It’s quiet. It’s dark. And a little claustrophobic. Maybe a bit like a mother’s womb. I’m sure Freud would have something to say about that.
But even better than it being a little retreat from your day, it’s an opportunity to make a harmless fool out of yourself. Something that many aren’t willing to do in any way, shape or form.
I truly think the next generation of leaders aren’t going to be the stern ones, but the silly ones who know when and where to tone it back. Honestly, I don’t have that in me at all. But occasionally, I hope I can be that person. Just once or twice a week, that can make someone’s day and perhaps just as importantly, get the ball rolling.
Don’t underestimate it.
