This was my horoscope today. I rarely read these, but saw it and since I’m rehearsing a play right now it made me think of that.

You’re not one for sloppiness. Sure, you’re a relaxed, easygoing person, but that doesn’t mean you suffer fools gladly, or suffer foolishness gladly, especially when it comes to your work. You want things a certain way, and as soon as you make this clear to the people you work with, the better it will be for everybody. Communicate well and lead by example, and sloppiness will be a thing of the past.

I’m not sure how that qualifies as a horoscope though – aren’t these things supposed to predict what will be happening to you?

It’s true, though, that I don’t take foolishness in my work very well. I mean, there’s two different things: Fooling around, having fun, being silly, keeping things light, etc… but then there’s screwing off when there’s work to be done, and that really bugs me when I’m trying to put a play together. Sometimes it’s a fine line, though. I know that I often run a loose ship in the sense that I like to laugh, and I think allowing others to enjoy their work is a good thing. I also know, though, that when we I need to buckle down, I can do that. So, yes, sometimes I find myself working with someone who can’t seem to find that distinction between “keeping it light” and “interfering with the work”.

You know what I mean? There’s a point, for instance, in a rehearsal when it’s okay to crack a joke, break the room up, and then slide back into “work mode”. But – or maybe especially – in a room full of talented, creative people, sometimes that moment sparks a series of laughs, or jokes, that go on too long and break the creative flow and progress of the work.

It’s a fine line.

I think, though, that learning to manage that line is key to the success of any leader. Allowing people to enjoy their work, and the people they work with, is so important to the success of any project. Managing their talent is one thing, managing their morale is another. Being tuned in to the balance needed between work and play is vital – knowing when lightening the mood is the right thing to do, and being able to feel when we need to buckle down and focus; these are crucial skills for a person who’s trying to lead a group of people he’s depending on for the success of the project. Too much levity, and no progress is made. Too much joyless work, and people get stressed, frustrated and unwilling to put forth more than the bare minimum.

A fine line.