Make it Fun - Humor at Work
Updated: Nov 7, 2023
Friday was April 1st, also known as April Fool’s Day, and it got me thinking about humor at work. It reminded me two of my favorite TEDTalks:
Humor at work | Andrew Tarvin | TEDxOhioStateUniversity
The Skill of Humor | Andrew Tarvin | TEDxTAMU
As leaders, it is our responsibility to create a positive environment. As mentioned in the videos above, and in other research, humor helps create an atmosphere with lower stress and better relationships. Humor can foster faster bonding and closer relationships within a team.
Appropriate humor can also improve how you are perceived as a leader. Leaders that show they are fallible and fun are more approachable. People feel like they can open up to leaders that don’t take themselves too seriously.
For those not convinced that “soft skills” lead to hard numbers, don’t just take my word for it. According to an article by Harvard Business Review, “Research shows that leaders with any sense of humor are seen as 27% more motivating and admired than those who don’t joke around. Their employees are 15% more engaged, and their teams are more than twice as likely to solve a creativity challenge.”
As a leader, take some time to consider your current work environment. How can you fit humor into work?
Reflection Question – How can I apply humor at work?
Topic Next Week: Planting Seeds
Other sources:
