WHY I’M A FANN OF A FINN HAVING FUNN
Let me start by saying I’m no expert in Scandinavian politics.
If someone had asked me a week ago who the Prime Minister of Finland was, the best guess I could have mustered up would be “Frosty the Snowman”.
But now much of the world knows that it is Sanna Marin … and she enjoys a bit of a dance.
It’s been quite incredible to see over the past week that there was an international controversy over video and pictures posted of her partying in a nightclub, doing things that normal people like you and I can do without being reprimanded.
Apparently, whilst Scandinavians introduced us in the 1970s to the idea of a Dancing Queen, it’s different if you’re a Dancing Prime Minister.
She even had to take a drug test … which came back negative … although there were traces of ice found on her windscreen, but then it WAS a cold night.
But it raises a very important issue for those of us who work in the events industry:
How should our events portray the leaders of the organisations we work with?
Is it damaging if they are allowed to be seen to be just like other humans? That they enjoy dancing? That they have interests outside of work?
The simple answer is, no. And the more complex answer is, the more people see and know of their NON-work personality, the better it is for everybody.
Delegates see evidence that their leaders are:
- real
- approachable
- honest
- people they have things in common with them
This can have important consequences on how believable they are. On how inspirational they can be.
I had a client who was an Indian-based IT firm with over 600,000 employees. I discovered that their much-revered, middle-aged, non-athletic looking CEO had taken up marathon running recently. So I made sure I mentioned it when I introduced him.
It not only revealed a whole other side to the person they only knew as an expert in the world of technology, but anyone in the audience who was currently thinking they had no time for exercise couldn’t help but be inspired by his drive and time-management skills.
Showing their human side also helps the leaders, themselves. It can be quite liberating and uplifting to share parts of your persona that may surprise others.
And having a safe space to do so can provide them with the same sort of relief a person feels when they finally take off a pair of uncomfortable high heels that they had to wear for show at a gala function.
If our clients are wanting to overprotect their leaders and treat them as though they are some kind of God-like being whose appearance on stage needs to be managed and manipulated to the nth degree, we need to be the ones to discourage that from happening.
It’s fine for them to do so at work, but one of the great things about our corporate events is that they create a bridge between work and the real world.
They are wonderful opportunities for leaders to present themselves as their TRUE selves … to allow them to “dance” in some way, shape or form.
And, whilst I could write many more words on the why that is a good thing, let me instead simply share these two photos:
Here is Boris Yeltsin, the leader of Russia from 1991 to 1999.
He was known for having a bit of a dance from time to time (I HIGHLY suggest you press play. It will be your favourite 44 seconds of the day):
And, when he was in charge, Russia didn’t invade anybody.
Here’s their current leader:
Case closed.
Darren Isenberg is one of Australia’s most booked and re-booked Corporate MC’s and Presenters. He also speaks to groups on how to improve their Positive Influence and the Presentation Skills.
You can learn more about him by heading to www.dipresents.com.au or by asking his kids. But don’t talk to his mother. She still has no idea … but thinks he’s great at whatever it is anyway.