Put on your sweater vest and get ready to channel your inner Chandler Bing!
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since the tragic loss of Matthew Perry, famously known for playing Chandler on the hit sitcom Friends. Let’s take a look at some of Chandler’s most iconic moments that made him one of the most loveable, hilarious and zany characters of all time.
Chandler has been on our TV screens for over three decades, and who’d have thought that the guy known for saying, “I’m not so great at the advice, can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?” would actually model some great lessons in leadership communication?
Let’s dive in.
The one where Chandler is transparent
“Hi, I’m Chandler. I make jokes when I’m uncomfortable.”
When Chandler and Monica are out to dinner and he plans to propose, the couple unexpectedly stumble upon Richard and his girlfriend at the same restaurant. Feeling awkward and slightly ambushed, Chandler makes a joke. He follows up the joke with this open and honest statement. We applaud his self-awareness when it comes to his defence mechanisms. In this instance, we see Chandler espousing complete transparency.
Transparency in leadership communication is a critical quality. Much like in non-professional relationships, openness and honesty help to build a high level of trust and efficiency between colleagues. Of course, leadership styles vary according to each individual and their own nuances, however a good leader communicates the same level of transparency they expect to receive from their employees.
The one where Chandler welcomes and implements feedback
“I don’t make a very good first impression?! Phoebe you have to help me!”
Chandler tells Phoebe and his friends about a job interview he has coming up. To his surprise, Phoebe warns him that he fails to make good first impressions. Worried and more nervous than before, Chandler begs Phoebe to coach him and teach him how to avoid the mistakes he commonly makes. With only an hour to spare, Chandler takes in all of Phoebe’s lessons and goes on to do very well at the interview, impressing the hiring manager.
Feedback is extremely important within leadership communication. Not only does it ensure that you understand how you are being perceived by your employees, but it provides you with the opportunities to make timely and impactful changes. Furthermore, using this feedback can help you develop and grow as an effective leader helping to cultivate a culture of motivated workers. Additionally for your employees, feedback fosters an environment of learning and openness that benefits everyone in the workplace.
The one where Chandler has empathy
“I really want a kid. And when that day comes, I’ll learn how to be a great father. But my wife, she’s already there. She’s a mother without a baby.”
When Chandler is trying to convince Erica, an expecting mother looking for adoptive parents, to choose Monica and himself as the parents, he speaks with a high level of emotion and empathy. He puts himself in Monica’s shoes and shares her desires for a child. In this moment he understood just how important and crucial raising a child was for her.
Effective leadership communication needs empathy to thrive because it fosters a supportive work environment. Leaders who show they understand and can relate to issues that their employees face will always create a safe space. It is important to remember that empathy is not always communicated only through words: body language is a key part of conveying empathy in leadership communication. Being aware of others’ thoughts and feelings ensures that leaders are constantly equipped in dealing with each of their employees in an appropriate and unique way.
And hey, since Chandler’s words to Erica channelled his empathy for Monica, it’s safe to say empathy ensured they had twin babies to raise together by the end of the series!
The one where Chandler involves others and asks for advice
“You guys were right. I’m in love with Joey’s girlfriend. What should I do?”
In probably one of the biggest dilemmas throughout the whole series, Chandler falls in love with Kathy – Joey’s girlfriend. Despite warnings from his friends, he brushes off their apprehensions. Later in the same week, he declares his love for Kathy to them. Considering this is a unique position for him, he decides to ask for the advice and opinions of those closest to him. He leans on them in times of need and even sleeps on Monica’s couch to gain some support when things become too difficult for him to deal with on his own.
Everyone is human and sometimes people need advice in the workplace, even leaders. Communicating and asking for advice when in a leadership role can be vital to maintaining collaborative and constructive environments. Asking for advice demonstrates to your employees that you value their opinions and ideas. It’s also important to remember that when an employee is actively engaging and providing advice it is best practice to actively engage by asking for questions and further elaborations.
Much like Chandler’s situation, professional advice can act as the proverbial Monica’s couch.
The last one
Matthew Perry will never be forgotten, and Chandler Bing lives on in our hearts and the constant reruns future generations will discover and quote (thankfully!) He made us laugh, wore his heart on his sleeve, and showed an empathy that could make us tear up, only to follow it with a joke that left us crying with joy. In the end, we could all stand to be a little more BING (…but maybe without the inappropriate boss butt slapping).
