Idea in short

Jesters always have a quip on their lips and like the laughter. They are not always really productive. Like self-proponents, jesters also like to be the focal point and attract attention.

Characteristics of the jester

The fact that the jesters always ensure good mood in the office is not wrong, but not completely correct. This personality type can easily solve stressful situations and remind us not to take everything so seriously.

However, at times, they can also be very annoying:

They may share a joke that nobody finds funny. The wit which was perhaps funny at school, might end up polarizing colleagues in the office. Therefore, the joke does not bode well with everyone

There are two types of jesters in the office:

  1. The really funny jester, who is an enrichment for the office
  2. The annoying jester, who creates tensions

If one wants to comprehensively characterize the jester, one must never forget a point:

They loves to, not only to make fun themselves, but can also be entertained by others.

Are you are planning a small practical joke on another colleague? Or, do you want some funny anecdotes to share during the lunch break? Jesters are your perfect companions. Rest assured, jesters will laugh the loudest.

Jesters have questionable ethics and morales when it comes to work-related issues. They are by no means lazy. But, they are also not model employees.

Jesters deliver the absolute minimum that is required and uses their capacity to amusing themselves, instead of supporting their colleagues. Jesters are aware of efficiency and productivity at a conceptual level. But, they discount diligence and hard work for fun. Jesters do not take the time they spend in the office too seriously. In their view, work must be fun, at all costs.

At a glance

  • Likes jokes and wants to play pranks
  • Enjoys office when their colleagues are also funny
  • May be annoying at times
  • Delivers the absolute minimum required and no more
  • Moderately efficient and productive

How to deal with them?

In general, jesters make safe companions. They may be hard at times. But, they rarely want to harm their fellow colleagues. So, you don’t have to worry that they will steal your ideas.

Usually, jesters do not engage in gossip or malign their colleagues. Nevertheless, they can also be troublesome whenever their jokes backfire. In this case, only one thing really helps:

Lay out the problem and politely point out that, though their jokes are lightening the office mood, they attract too much attention

Alternative, you can divert the energy they invest in joking around in the office. You can do this by integrating them into new projects and enlisting their help. In this way, they get serious and feel wanted.

At any rate, appreciate their work. Just because jesters love to have fun in the office properly doesn’t necessarily mean that they are less qualified or unproductive.

Summary
Think Insights (April 26, 2024) Stakeholder Types: Jesters. Retrieved from https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/stakeholder-jesters/.
"Stakeholder Types: Jesters." Think Insights - April 26, 2024, https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/stakeholder-jesters/
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Think Insights - Stakeholder Types: Jesters. [Internet]. [Accessed April 26, 2024]. Available from: https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/stakeholder-jesters/
"Stakeholder Types: Jesters." Think Insights - Accessed April 26, 2024. https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/stakeholder-jesters/
"Stakeholder Types: Jesters." Think Insights [Online]. Available: https://thinkinsights.net/consulting/stakeholder-jesters/. [Accessed: April 26, 2024]