We've all been there—when a mistake feels like the end of the world, or at least the end of our professional reputation.
But what if the best way to handle those slip-ups was by laughing at ourselves instead of stressing out?
As it turns out, being able to chuckle at our imperfections not only lightens our emotional load but also demonstrates self-confidence and relatability, two traits that make people trust us more.
Experts confirm that humor can reduce stress, foster better relationships, and even enhance leadership qualities. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology found that leaders who use humor effectively are often perceived as more approachable and competent.
Nobody understands this more beautifully than my guest on this week’s episode, Angelo Valletta, CEO of Ben Franklin Technology Partners NE—or, as his nieces and nephews lovingly call him, “Uncle Shrek.”
For some reason, they believe if he were green, he'd be a dead ringer for the lovable ogre. While their parents were initially upset, thinking it was disrespectful, Angelo embraced it, recognizing the playful sentiment behind it. He laughed it off and wore the name proudly. Ever since then, he’s been known as “Uncle Shrek.”
Angelo's ability to embrace this nickname speaks volumes about his approach to leadership and communication.
In our conversation, we dove into why it's so important for leaders to not take themselves too seriously, and how humor—especially confidently self-deprecating humor—can humanize you in the eyes of others, making you more relatable and trustworthy.
But Angelo doesn’t just stop at humor.
He opens up about the tough leadership decisions he’s made in his career.
For example, what do you do when you have a team member who is so exceptionally talented that you can’t afford to lose them, but also so toxic as an employee that you risk losing everyone else?
It wasn’t easy, but by being straightforward and setting clear boundaries, Angelo was able to make hard decisions to right the ship.
His experiences demonstrate the power of addressing problems head-on and owning both your victories and your mistakes—another reason why laughing at yourself becomes essential.
Angelo also reflects on one of his biggest career risks—championing investing in mobile banking long before most people understood its potential. He faced significant pushback, yet believed in the technology's future value.
The challenge was persuading stakeholders to invest in something that wouldn’t yield immediate returns but would have long-term benefits.
How did he succeed?
By focusing on clear, concise communication and helping others understand how the innovation would eventually drive revenue.
His story is a masterclass in the art of making bold decisions and communicating them effectively to your team.
Key takeaways from our conversation include:
- Mastery of subject matter: True expertise isn’t about using jargon but being able to explain complex ideas simply and concisely.
- Addressing toxic team members: It’s crucial to confront the issue directly, set clear boundaries, and lead with empathy.
- Career risk-taking: Growth comes from taking calculated risks, but success requires clear communication with key stakeholders to ensure alignment.
- Understanding revenue drivers: Knowing what makes your organization tick financially can help you make smart, forward-looking decisions.
Angelo’s latest book, The Seven Rs of Leadership and Life, explores these principles further, offering readers a roadmap to balanced, effective leadership.
So, the next time you make a mistake, remember Uncle Shrek.
Laugh at yourself, own it, and move forward with confidence. After all, a good laugh might be the most powerful leadership tool you didn’t know you had.
Listen to the full conversation here or watch the video on YouTube here.
And don’t forget to embrace your inner Shrek!
Is a toxic work environment turning you into a less-lovable ogre version of yourself? Are you starting to see the writing on the wall at your current job? If you’re starting to realize that any future change in roles needs to be your choice, not someone else’s decision, check out https://quantumleap-coaching.
