Invicta Vlogs
This week, our theme is 'Humour', a quality that I strongly believe is 'an essential to life'.
This week, our theme is ‘Humour’ – a quality that I strongly believe is ’an essential to life’. It is a characteristic that will take you a long way in the all-important inter-personal skills we need for adulthood. I love to see children who, as they grow, exhibit a sense of humour. But, as we all know, sometimes it can be seen negatively; when children try to ‘play the fool’ or they offend others by using tasteless humour, when people do not necessarily appreciate their sense of fun. Nevertheless, if they can get the balance right, it certainly can be endearing. So, as part of our personal Character Development, we endeavour to explore ‘humour’. An American Psychologist, Kerr quotes that ‘humour can be at least one of the keys to success. 91% of executives believe a sense of humour is important for career advancement; while 84% feel that ‘people with a good sense of humour do a better job’. Another study by Bell, found that the two most desirable traits in leaders were a strong work ethic and a good sense of humour. I can see the sense in this. I know that with our own staff at Invicta, I certainly look for a sense of humour in my recruitment along with their passion and subject mastery. These qualities provide a balanced mix that almost reinforce the need to view things with a professional, positive and yet optimistic outlook.
To compliment humour, I also think that it is amazing what doors can open if you reach out to people with a smile, friendly attitude and a desire to make a positive impact – something we advocate at Invicta. Being positive helps in every aspect of life, but it is so easy to forget what an impact it can have. Approach people with a smile and open body language and your relationship will take off instantly. Mother Teresa is quoted to say that ‘We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do’. I therefore advocate that a gentle word, a kind look, a good-natured smile can work wonders and accomplish miracles – even more than humour, which is ultimately an art. I know that as soon as you enter Invicta, the first thing you will see is a smile and that to me, is the warmth that exudes from our students, staff and parents. So, as we peruse over our Year 8 Consultation Evening, the Memory Workshops, the Literacy Challenge and the Year 9, 10 and 12 exams this week, we will of course, take each event very seriously, but what we will do is provide a smile, an encouraging word and even some humorous banter to make students feel at ease and comfortable in their forthcoming challenges. I have no doubt that as Kerr said, this will be one of their ‘keys to success!’
