Tune in as we provide an alternative perspective to historical workplace norms, and the challenges we face in society today.
I’ve been reflecting on the role of this podcast lately, and one area that I hope to impact is providing an alternative perspective to historical workplace norms. I recognize that in some ways, Lead with Levity contributes to a counter culture where people feel valued, seen, and supported. It’s my hope that this counter culture one day becomes the norm in large and small companies across the globe.
I spoke to Dr. LaTonya Jackson about this recently about this and the challenges we face in society today.
We talk about:
- The pace of 2021 and the effect it’s had on people
- Why people might resort to violence and aggression toward service workers
- How inclusion and diversity fits into the picture
- Games and other fun ways to bring levity to the workplace
The Fast-Paced Shift to Change
Dr. Jackson reflects on the whirlwind of change over the past few years, both personally and professionally. As a mom of three and an operations leader, she adapted quickly to remote schooling, work, and home life during the pandemic. Her project management skills became invaluable as she balanced client needs, family schedules, and personal priorities.
Her key takeaway? Adaptability and planning are crucial not only for navigating home life but also for creating a flexible, resilient workplace. By mirroring the structure and focus needed at home, organizations can better support employees through uncertain times.
Addressing Today’s Workplace Challenges
As stress levels rise and societal tensions spill into workplaces, businesses face unique challenges. Dr. Jackson highlights the surge in aggression, anxiety, and workplace violence, drawing attention to high-profile incidents that emphasize the need for proactive solutions.
According to Dr. Jackson, “Emotional instability stems from unmet needs—connection, security, and belonging.” When employees feel disconnected or unsafe, their emotional responses can escalate. To combat this, organizations must foster environments where employees feel supported and valued.
How to Lead with Levity
So, how can leaders create workplaces that are fun, inclusive, and engaging? Dr. Jackson offers these practical tips:
- Make Positivity a Priority: Encourage your team to approach challenges with creativity and optimism.
- Empower Employees to Create Memorable Moments: Allow team members to craft solutions that go above and beyond for colleagues and customers.
- Use Music, Food, and Movement: These elements foster connection and energy in virtual or in-person settings.
- Explore Virtual Activities: Virtual escape rooms, trivia games, and team workouts can add fun to remote work environments.
- Ask Employees What They Want: Don’t assume—get input from your team to tailor experiences that resonate.
Transforming Training into a Journey
Dr. Jackson emphasizes that learning should be a journey. From the first step of awareness to taking action, training programs should create lasting change. She urges companies to think beyond compliance and focus on cultivating cultures where inclusion, safety, and levity thrive.
“We’re not just training employees to ‘not do’ something,” Dr. Jackson explains. “We’re empowering them to take proactive, positive actions that transform the workplace.”
About Dr. LaTonya Jackson
A dynamic, forward-thinking leader who contributes to a company’s ongoing growth, given extensive experience in talent and workforce development, thought leadership, talent and change management, instructional design and strategy, and facilitation. An adaptable, passionate, and goal-oriented training professional highly skilled in collaborative partnerships, individual and group coaching, and people development. Builds strong interpersonal relationships by utilizing communication skills to connect with colleagues and clients. Through research-based solutions, improved organizational systems perpetuate and augment company revenue results, given a strong work ethic.
In addition to this work, she makes time to volunteer with Unform Your BiasTM; a not-for-profit organization focused on reducing racial injustice through honest conversations and systemic solutions. She is co-author of 5 Blinders to Seeing Color and author of The Layoff Lab: 7 Strategies to Navigate a Layoff or Career Transition. She welcomes opportunities to speak. She is a writer and enjoys walking challenges, action movies, and time with family.
About the Lead with Levity Podcast
The Lead with Levity podcast is a show for leaders who care deeply about what makes/breaks the employee experience. Our guests are dynamic researchers, practitioners, consultants, and business leaders. We cover foundational elements that are needed to avoid forcing the fun. We also invite lively managers who lead with levity to show us how it’s done. Thanks for joining us on this journey.
