Michael Dell, CEO and founder of Dell Technologies, emphasizes the importance of humor in the workplace and reevaluating parental advice.
The tech leader shared his insights during a recent episode of the “In Good Company” podcast, highlighting the vital role humor plays in his company. Dell confidently stated, “If you can’t laugh, joke around, play tricks on people, you’re doing it wrong, right? You have to be able to laugh at yourself.” His approach underlines the necessity of creating a work environment where employees feel comfortable and balanced.
Despite his success, Dell cautions against overworking and burnout, reflecting on his own experiences of working tirelessly as a young entrepreneur. He remarked, “I learned a long time ago that there’s a diminishing return to the number of hours worked in any given day. And if you’re going to do something for a long time, you better find the [right mixture of] working and playing and relaxing.” This advice speaks to the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life.
Dell’s daily routine further exemplifies his commitment to this balance. He mentioned that he goes to bed at about 8:30 or 9 p.m. and wakes up early around 4 or 5 a.m. to exercise, demonstrating a disciplined lifestyle. “You won’t find me at the nightcap,” Dell said, underscoring his dedication to a structured and healthy daily regimen.
In addition to humor and balance, Dell discussed the sometimes unpredictable nature of parental advice. He shared his personal experience of being encouraged by his parents to pursue a career as a doctor, a path he ultimately chose not to follow. Reflecting on his parents’ influence, Dell noted, “Well, yeah, your parents aren’t always right, but they’re not always wrong either,” highlighting the mixed value of such guidance. This perspective is echoed in the guiding philosophy of his company, “play nice but win,” inspired by his mother’s words.
Dell also touched upon his enjoyment of Texas barbecue, admitting that while he doesn’t often cook it himself, he appreciates the labor specialization it represents. “I believe in the theory of labor specialization, so I personally am not cooking a lot of barbecue, but I’m definitely eating barbecue,” he remarked, aligning with his broader views on effective work distribution.
Michael Dell’s insights offer a refreshing perspective on the professional world, advocating for laughter, balance, and a discerning approach to advice from others. His emphasis on humor and structured living speaks to a broader philosophy of healthy, sustainable work practices.
Source: Businessinsider
