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| • | Goofy GIFs. Social media is filled with people posting GIFs—brief, looping animations—in honor of their creator, Stephen E. Wilhite, who passed away on March 14 at the age of 74. Wilhite, a computer programmer, invented the graphics interchange format (GIF) in 1987. Since then, GIFs—which Wilhite said is pronounced “jif”—have taken over the internet, having become widely used for expressing humor, sarcasm, and anxiety. The notorious “dancing baby” GIF that came out in 1996 was a favorite of Wilhite’s. [NYT] | | | | • | When joking pays off. Ideally, in a negotiation, all parties are acting in good faith. Sometimes, though, you might find yourself dealing with someone who has a winner-take-all mindset, holds biases toward you, or is just a jerk. In a tough negotiation, humor is a powerful tool to wield, says one business professor who teaches negotiation skills at a leading US university. Cracking a joke about the negotiation (“So, we’re saying the same thing—we’re here to bluff and lie”) can defuse pressure and help break the ice. [Fast Company] | | | | • | Playful and positive. Having fun should be at the top of our priority list, says Catherine Price, author of The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again. Spending time being playful, connected, and in a state of flow (that is, utterly absorbed by an engaging experience) lowers stress and enhances emotional, mental, and physical health, adds Price. Focusing on funny and joyful things helps to counteract the brain’s tendency to perpetually scan for threats, which can keep us stuck in a cycle of negativity. | | | | • | Lighthearted leadership. “When we are having fun, one of the prerequisites is that you’re not putting on a facade; you are actually expressing your authentic self,” says Price. By adopting a more lighthearted attitude, leaders can help others let their guard down. Using “props for fun,” such as providing a bowl filled with conversation prompts, can inspire colleagues to interact in new ways. For additional practices that can make the workplace more positive, fun, and enjoyable, read the full interview, part of our Author Talks series. | | | | — Edited by Belinda Yu | | This email contains information about McKinsey’s research, insights, services, or events. By opening our emails or clicking on links, you agree to our use of cookies and web tracking technology. For more information on how we use and protect your information, please review our privacy policy. | | You received this email because you subscribed to the On Point newsletter. | | | | Copyright © 2022 | McKinsey & Company, 3 World Trade Center, 175 Greenwich Street, New York, NY 10007 | | | |
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