Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,121- April 22, 2026

When someone says "humor me" what they're really asking is for you to go along with them. To play with them.To be open to their ideas and open to the possibilities. 

So as we continue celebrating Humor Month I want to encourage you to embrace this phrase proactively as a reminder to stay curious and open to the idea that you might be wrong about something. That maybe you don't have all the answers. Or that yes, even Pat has an inspired idea every now and then (it can happen). 

Humoring someone means you are giving them your full attention. You are accepting their offer. You are giving them grace, patience, and understanding. 

Embracing the spirit of "humor me" is also an opportunity to save someone in an awkward or potentially embarrassing situation. Finding a way to laugh with the person gives them an out and makes them feel supported. 

Suppose someone hiccups loudly in the middle of a meeting. You might chime in with a friendly, "I second that motion!" to help ease the tension. Or if someone mangles the pronunciation of your name you might gently correct them and then offer up, "Don't sweat it. Starbucks has NEVER got it right." 

A little gentle humor helps remind anyone, in the most awkward or embarrassing of situations, that we have all been there and we are all in this crazy rollicking journey together.      

Speaking of humoring me, and well, humoring others, in my virtual presentation Putting Humor to Work for Less Stress & More Success! now on Thursday May 7, I'll share examples of humor at work from around the globe and you'll learn how humor can be used to engage and recognize employees, help your communication stand out from the herd to be heard, make your meetings more effective, improve customer experience, and create a more resilient workplace that fuels extraordinary results. 

And if you can't make the live presentation you'll still have access to the recording and the follow-up resources including the eBook "401 Ways to Create a More Inspiring and Fun Workplace" and an access code to view any of my previous virtual presentations at a 50% off rate.