Julie Williams-Muz, CPA, CFO, MSBO Board Member, Finance Director, Huron ISD
We have all heard the phrase, “laughter is the best medicine.” When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it induces physical changes in your body. It stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. It can sooth tension and reduce your stress response. Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up; it is also good for you over the long-term. It improves your immune system as positive thoughts release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses. It relieves pain, increases personal satisfaction, and improves your mood and self-esteem. You and your team are more productive when you are under less stress. Laughter is a very good way of reinforcing the connections between team members and at the same time, reducing stress.
I had the pleasure of attending ASBO International’s Leadership Forum in February. Paul Krismer, positive psychology expert, discussed the idea of leading a meeting by asking “what is going well.” So often leaders start meetings by sharing a long agenda loaded with issues that need to be solved. We begin with a heavy weight on our shoulders, already overburdened and stressed. Our creativity and productivity are low. You can flip this narrative, by starting the meeting asking what is going well; it changes our mindsets and gets our team in a more positive, creative, and productive place.
I encourage you to try beginning your meetings this way and see if your team’s problem-solving abilities increase. Individuals tend to conform to group norms of emotional expression; therefore, it is crucial to model the emotional culture you desire on your team.
Find a way to laugh about your own situations and watch your stress begin to fade away. Even if it feels forced at first, practice laughing. It does your body good. Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
I will be presenting at the annual conference this year along with a couple of my teammates. We will be bringing fun into our presentation and hope to bring some joy to those attending. I hope to see you there! *
In the meantime, I encourage you to pause for fun. “Worry less, giggle more”.
*E05 – How to Pull Off a Successful Audit Without Pulling Out Your Hair!
Learn how to break down your audit preparation into smaller more manageable steps to minimize stress. Audits should not cause anxiety! Learn some tips on how to complete a successful audit through the use of good communication, delegation and accountability, proper planning and follow through.
Presenter(s): Candace M. Halifax, Stacey Viers, and Julie Williams-Muz, Huron ISD
Thursday, April 28, 2022 • 8:20-9:20 AM
Other Articles in this Newsletter
- Congratulations to the 2022 MSBO Awards and Scholarships Recipients
- MSBO Board of Directors Election is April 6
- MSBO Bylaws and Resolutions Committee Proposes Amending Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation
- MSBO Update – David Martell
- MSBO’s Annual Conference Connects Us – Dena Mayer
- The Extended Early Bird Registration Period Closes March 31
- Welcome New Members