Meetings are integral to any venture — an amalgamation of ideas, strategies, analysis, and discussions. They’re where important things can happen.

However, let’s be honest: they can often become monotonous, exhausting, and even counterproductive, primarily because of the stress-loaded atmosphere. So, how come we lighten the mood a bit? It might seem absurd, but have you ever thought: Why not hire a clown for the next meeting?

Now, you might be thinking, “What? A clown? There lies madness!”

But bear with me.

I’m not suggesting a full-on circus while discussing your organisation’s Q4 performance. The idea is to incorporate humour and creativity into the work environment, and clowns are professional artists who excel in both. So, let’s figure out why you should consider this unusual idea.

Firstly, humour is an undeniable asset in today’s high-stress world. It reduces stress, boosts morale, and increases productivity. When people share a lighter moment, they feel more relaxed, which fosters creativity, efficiency, and mutual understanding. A study by Bell Leadership Institute found that “Humor is a vital tool of leadership”.

By hiring a clown or a comedic entertainer, you’re purposefully injecting humour into the meeting. They can warm up the session with a short, light-hearted performance, break the ice and deflate tension. They’re professionals who can read the room and adjust the level of silliness to the group’s comfort level, ensuring that the humour adds to the meeting instead of embarrassing anyone or diverting attention.

Apart from humour, clowns also bring creativity to the table. They’re skilled at looking at things from different, often unconventional, perspectives. Incorporating such creative elements into a meeting can spark innovative ideas and solutions. This can be especially beneficial during brainstorming or problem-solving meetings.

Also, clowns are excellent at interaction and participation, which is often critical to a successful meeting. They can engage the audience, invigorate the group, encourage participation, and ensure everyone is actively involved in the meeting. This interactive and inclusive approach can lead to richer discussions, better collaboration, and more beneficial outcomes. Clowns can also serve as a unique form of motivation and recognition. Show your employees that their work is valuable but that it’s also okay to loosen up and enjoy. This balance between work and play, seriousness and laughter, fosters a positive work culture.

But the clown is not just for your employees. It’s for you, too. As a leader, your mind constantly juggles various responsibilities and challenges. Humour and creativity can stimulate your thought process, make you more open-minded, and improve your problem-solving abilities.

Integrating laughter and creative entertainment can also make the meeting more memorable. We know that people tend to remember unusual things. So, spicing up the monotonous meeting routine with unique entertainment will surely stick in your employees’ minds. This out-of-the-box strategy can be an element of surprise, making the whole experience distinctive and unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a clown for your next meeting may sound bizarre. But it’s all about obtaining the benefits of humour and creativity. Laughter stimulates our brain, reduces stress, and enhances the environment. Creativity promotes thinking from various perspectives and coming up with innovative solutions. Clowns can inject both these elements, making the meeting a whole lot more engaging, creative, and, yes, fun.

Remember, a happy, relaxed and stimulated workforce is a productive workforce, which is an organisation’s ultimate goal. So, in your next meeting, be open-minded and invite a clown. You never know; it may just turn out to be one of your best meetings ever. And you’ll have a good laugh even if it doesn’t!