We explore an unexpected but powerful source of leadership insight: the art of clowning. Together with our guest, Janolof Elander, we dive into how the presence, vulnerability, and connection practiced by clowns can help us become more human-centered and authentic leaders.

We invite you to step back and explore how being fully present — even in chaos or uncertainty — opens the door to trust, connection, and transformation.

🌟 The Main Principle of Clowning

“Don’t try to be funny.”

This might feel unintuitive, but clowning isn’t about jokes. It’s about presence, being real, tuned-in, and creating a connection in the moment. And that is a critical part of effective leadership too.

🖐️ Five Clowning Principles — and Their Link to Leadership

1. “Do one thing at a time.”

Focus on what's here now. This principle strengthens mindfulness and helps leaders stay grounded, attuned, and better equipped to respond to what’s actually happening — not what they planned or expected.

2. “All action in eye contact.”

True connection starts with presence. Eye contact signals sincerity and builds trust. Leaders who truly see their people create safer, more engaged spaces for dialogue and performance.

3. “Wait three seconds before each planned action.”

This pause adds space for reflection, alignment, and connection. It helps leaders avoid reactive behavior and instead respond with intention. It also signals calm, confidence, and gives others room to contribute.

4. “Look at sound (and movement) with your whole head.”

A metaphor for picking up subtle signals — sounds, gestures, shifts in energy. As leaders, this means being alert to the unsaid, the elephant in the room, or unexpected cues — and choosing to engage rather than ignore.

5. “If you make a mistake, repeat it three times.”

Mistakes are part of the show — and part of growth. Instead of covering up, owning mistakes and repeating them (metaphorically) brings playfulness and disarms fear, inviting learning and openness.

Reflection Questions

As always, we wrap up the conversation with a couple of self-reflection prompts:

• When could you try to apply one of these clowning principles in a real work situation — and how could you learn from it?
• When did you last step out of your comfort zone and show vulnerability in a challenging or uncertain situation? What did you learn from it?
• What is one thing you could do differently to build stronger connections with people at work?

About Janolof Elander

Connect with Janolof on LinkedIn.

About Second Crack
More information about us and our work is available on our website: secondcrackleadership.com. Contact us now to explore how we can support your leadership development in a company-wide initiative or with individual executive coaching: hello@secondcrackleadership.com.

Connect with us on LinkedIn:
Martin Aldergård
Gerrit Pelzer