Humor at Work: Leading with Laughter

Published: Wed, 04/25/12

View on mobile device or browser
Humor at Work ISSUE 434 - APR. 25, 2012
header splash



 
Leading with Laughter



A recent study by the Bell Leadership Institute found that when more than 2,700 employees were asked to describe the strengths of their leaders, by far the two most frequently used phrases were "work ethic" and "sense of humor." The study found that leaders who were seen as working hard but still having fun and demonstrating a good sense of humor had a strong edge over other leaders. 
 
The study also delved into ways that leaders used their sense of humor to improve workplace performance and found that the most effective leaders were able to use their sense of humor to spark employees' enthusiasm, deliver an honest message with a lighter touch, put employees at ease, boost productivity and bring teams together. (These leaders are obviously long term subscribers of Humor at Work.
 
Less effective leaders, however, sometimes used their sense of humor to put people down using sarcasm, to show off or to overly distract people. (For fans of the sitcom The Office, this leadership style would be known as the "Michael Scott approach.") 
 
One of the keys to successfully using humor in the workplace for any leader, or anyone for that matter, is to be true to their authentic self. As I've said oh-so-many times, it's not about fake enthusiasm, extraordinary charisma or being an extrovert; leaders who share their own brand of uplifting humor and who are able to laugh at themselves are far more likely to build trust and create an inspiring workplace culture. 

 

rule1
    Mike's Fun at Work Tip

If you want to add some pizzazz or humor to your voice mail messages, try enlisting a local celebrity (perhaps a morning DJ, a local athlete, the TV weatherman or, if you're desperate, the pizza delivery guy) to do your company's voice mail messages OR your own direct voice mail messages on your behalf. There are actually websites where you can hire B-list celebrities or celebrity impersonators to do this as well. (For an example, check out what actor Christopher Walken could do for you at Celeb Voice Mail)
rule1
    Quote of the Week

"This is what I conceive to be the chemical function of humor: to change the nature of our thought."  - Writer & inventor Lin Yutang

rule1
    It's a Wacky World
 
In addition to being "Administrative Professionals' Day" and "Hairstylists Appreciation Day", today is also the highly anticipated "Hug a Plumber Day."  (I can't wait. I'm faking a plumbing emergency right now.)
 
And this Friday is, of course, the even MORE anticipated "Hairball Awareness Day," a great day to finally have "the talk" with your cat. 
 
To get a sneak peak at the wacky theme days headed to your workplace this May, check out the list I've put online for you at Wacky May Theme Days
 
rule1
 
Humor at Work TV
 
From the archives...
does your workplace belong to the dreaded Flavor of the Month Club?
 
Inspiring Savings
 
Bring Mike in to speak and save! We have cost-saving opportunities between June 18 - July 31st in:
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Stockholm, Sweden 
 
 ...and October 1st in:
- P.E.I. or New Brunswick
 
Contact us for details info@mikekerr.com
 
 
Inspiring Reading 
 
Tribal Leadership is of the most thought-provoking books on inspiring leadership
I have ever read.  A must-read for forward-thinking leaders!


    Follow Humor at Work
pic8 facebooklinkedintwittertwitter
 

Copyright © 2012 Humor at Work. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com