On a recent vacation I was walking through the courtyard of the hotel and came across this hammock.  While it may be just a hammock to most, it brought to mind an event that happened nearly 10 years ago and made me smile.

One summer afternoon when my daughter was in high school, I saw her and her boyfriend (who was not my favorite person) innocently lying in the hammock in our backyard.  From a few yards away, I immediately exclaimed at the top of my lungs “No two persons will ever be horizontal at any time under this roof.” As soon as this brilliant statement left my mouth, I continued in the same loud voice “This is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard myself say!” and we all laughed out loud.  Since then, every time I saw her lying on the couch alone watching TV she would mimic my voice, repeating my earlier admonition, and we’d both laugh.

Of course, we must be careful to laugh with our children, not at them.  We do not want to hurt their feelings, and every parent knows the unbelievable fragility of children’s emotions.

Conflict is inevitable for every boss and every parent. Though we must always keep our emotions in check, we must also try not to take things too seriously. Bear in mind that occasional disagreement is not the end of the world: in fact, it is healthy and normal. And sometimes, the most appropriate reaction is to laugh.  Comedian Ron White gives this advice: “I believe when life gives you lemons, you should make lemonade…and try to find someone whose life has given them vodka, and have a party.”

The good news is that as a parent or a boss it is always OK to laugh at yourself.  When you can recognize your own mistakes, quirks or even weaknesses, and can laugh at them, you become approachable to everyone around you. The more approachable you are, the better your communications will be both at work and at home.

This is my opinion.  It worked for me and it can work for you.  You just have to try it!

About Chris Efessiou:  Chris Efessiou is an entrepreneur, business leader, educator, mentor, international speaker, and best-selling author of CDO Chief Daddy Officer: The Business of Fatherhoodbased on his own experience from raising his daughter as a single dad by applying his business knowledge to the business of parenting.  Connect with Chris on Facebook, follow on Twitter and visit his website www.ChrisEfessiou.com

© 2011-2012 Chris Efessiou.  All rights reserved.