John Cleese, the British actor who played the temperamental hotel owner Basil Fawlty in the Fawlty Towers TV series, gives 4 useful management tips which will come in handy when organizing events.
In his youth Cleese was not only a first class cricketer and boxer, but also an outstanding student. He graduated with flying colors from Cambridge University in 1963. Cleese has a passion for creativity and innovation, and occupies his time these days by giving management training. Below are some of the most important concepts from this unsung management guru:
1. Humor is the key to creativity.
It is erroneous to believe that creativity is a gift that only belongs to the exclusive dominion of artists and performers. We are all creative to a greater or lesser degree, we just do not know how to realize that potential. Humor helps us to access our subconscious, which is the source of all creativity. Things that are packaged in humor are also usually remembered more easily.
2. Playtime
Adults also need some form of play time, of recreation. "The more driven and manic we are, the less creative we become," says Cleese. "Creativity mostly occurs during the intervals between our frenetic activities." Time to 'play' or leisure time, reduces pressure and affords time to develop new ideas. So be sure to provide adequate 'playtime' for your conference or event!
3. Choose your state of mind.
It's up to us to decide whether we have a good or a bad day at work. If only 75 percent of our daily activities are work-related, we will be able to take more pleasure in it.
4. Make their day.
The (event) manager is responsible for the state of mind of his team. He needs to facilitate a positive state of mind. That can best be achieved by expressing full appreciation, in as specific a manner as possible, and publicly, without including any negative criticism (choose another time for that).
