Lean Quote: April Fool’s Day

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"It is human nature to think wisely and act foolishly."   —  Anatole France

‘April Fool was a great leader. She took care of her people, she was a great listener and she was empathetic. She was excellent at developing her team and helping them get promoted. Her character was impeccable and she was also great at getting results.

She was a great leader on every day of the year except the first day of April. On April 1st, she turned wicked and played tricks on her team. She thought they were funny, but her team was annoyed and often fearful of her shenanigans. No one was safe on April 1st when April Fool was around.

The tomfooleries turned tragic when April died trying pull of a dangerous, over-the-top prank. Her team wanted to honor her, so they started the tradition of April Fool’s Day and it eventually expanded nationally. Very few people know the true origin of the day.

This teaches us a great lesson about using humor in the workplace. Leaders can use emotional intelligence and humor to reduce anxiety as well as improve performance and motivation. They can also help develop or reinforce a positive culture. Leaders shouldn’t be afraid to introduce appropriate jokes and wit into the workplace.

Of course, the story of April Fool is completely fake — but feel free to spread the hoax as you see fit. Just for today.