Halloween

A leadership balancing act

Halloween is super-fun.

It’s an opportunity to bring some joy into the workplace. Consider having a Halloween party at lunch, or distributing candy, or having a contest for photo of cutest pet costume, and also closing up a bit early so everyone can get home to take their kids trick-or-treating (or at least not have to drive home through trick-or-treater-filled streets).

As leaders, we need to avoid potential problems. DON’T plan an after-work party today—people have kids they need to walk around the neighborhood or plans with friends. DON’T wear a costume that could undermine your leadership authority (cultural appropriation, too scantily clad for the office, political partisans, etc.), and make sure your people don’t make others uncomfortable, either. DON’T force compliance—some people don’t celebrate Halloween and/or like wearing costumes. and they shouldn’t be compelled to join in.

Happy Halloween!

(image generated using Midjourney)