Page 94 - Appreciative Leadership

The Art of Illumination 67

situations. Indeed, nurses at Lovelace Health System placed humor
at the top of the list of practices that gave them strength for the chal-
lenging work of caring for people who are ill. Recognizing how oft en
a funny comment brought a smile to the face of an ill child or a hos-
pitalized adult, they decided to conduct an Appreciative Inquiry into

“Humor: The Other Vital Sign.” They interviewed each other—nurses
from all departments—and shared stories of times when humor light-
ened their mood and enabled them to deliver quality care to patients
and their families. In the process of telling and listening to stories of
humor at work, they were renewed and enlivened for the work they
had to do. 2
When using humor in the workplace, we suggest that you follow

these Hawaiian rules: “No rain, no rainbows”; “Speak softly and wear
a loud shirt”; and “Tell the truth—there is less to remember!”

Strengths Spotting:
A Daily Practice of Illumination

Ever notice that some people easily know what others want, care
about, and are capable of doing? They are able to listen to what others

are saying, watch their expressions as they talk, and at the same time
draw out strengths, hopes, and dreams. Th ey are strengths spotters.
Strengths spotting is a talent that can be learned.

Lynne was talking to a young associate who surprised her
with news that she was going to miss a deadline on a project.
Some leaders would have turned this into an opportunity to
criticize the young associate—but not Lynne.
In the course of the conversations, Lynne told the young
woman that she perceived her as very achievement oriented
and knew that she would not miss a deadline unless something
very significant was happening. The young woman agreed.