Corporate clown

Corporate clowns are colleagues which are often colleagues with an overly positive attitude. They contribute little to the direct operations of the organization and more become more undercover HR promoters. These colleagues usually as well have lesser understanding of what is going on in the practice, but often try to speak on behalf of it.

They are often 'close' to leadership, since those will grand them the opportunity to organize internal programs or internal events for people. E.g. Innovation roadshows, young leader events etc.. This sometimes mistakenly is identified by other colleagues in the organization, that this person is important, due to their direct reporting within the organization and communication they are often involved in. Leadership is aware and consider that they know they need some corporate clowns for activating other people with overly positive communication, but no actual other results are expected.

Consider that a corporate clown is not a bad thing, but you should not confuse corporate clowns for colleagues to rely on during the execution of external engagements. Otherwise this may lead to get frustration and disappointed, but this would just mean your own misjudgment, because they fulfill a different (unofficial) role. Quick way to recognize is overly positive lingo in communication.

Just received an invite for in 4-weeks to do a 'coffee catch-up' the corporate clown, he is so unaware that this is the busiest period of the year.

Did you as well receive the mail from the corporate clown, i think he actually put all in BCC but wants to make it look like he targeted us specifically.

I just received a 'Happy Tuesday', guess from who? The corporate clown!

by TheCorporateOrder February 2, 2025

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