Inspiring Workplaces: Self-Enhancing vs. Self-Defeating Humor

Published: Wed, 12/12/18

Humor at Work

ISSUE 755 - Dec.12, 2018


			Self-Enhancing vs. Self-Defeating Humor

	A study of 1,068 Spanish adults by the Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center at the University of Granada found a positive correlation between the use of self-effacing humor and greater happiness and sociability. Their findings, however, include a cautionary note. Laughing at ourselves is highly commendable, especially when we are in a position of power. Laughing at ourselves keeps us humble, it helps keep us come across as more authentic and approachable, it helps us manage those bad hair days, and people tend to trust people more who are able to laugh at themselves. Plus, as some wise acre once said, "If you learn to laugh at yourself, you'll beat people to the punchline and you'll never run out of things to laugh at!" Here's the caution: There's a style of humor that is self-enhancing, and a style of humor that is self-defeating. When you genuinely laugh at things you have no control over or laugh at the very human mistakes you make, it is a sign of confidence. When you can take a playful joke in the spirit it was intended, it reflects a healthy ego. When, however, you laugh at yourself in a way that puts yourself down or in a way that diminishes yourself to ingratiate yourself with the people around you, it's not always healthy. Rather than being a sign of confidence, this form of self-defeating humor reveals a lack of confidence. So go ahead and laugh as much as you can at yourself - just be aware of how you're laughing at yourself and how it makes you feel once the laughter is over.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Start holding "Hump Day Huddles" as a mid-week check up and check in with your team. Keep them short and sweet, standing up only (or they will morph into real meetings), and have everyone share their biggest accomplishment of the week thus far and one thing they are hoping to finish by the end of the week. Creating this weekly ritual can be a simple way to help your team keep their momentum going and re-energize everyone.
		Quote of the Week

“You grow up the day you have the first real laugh at yourself.” Ethel Barrymore
		It's a Wacky World

A friendly reminder that December 18 is official Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day, where you're encouraged to answer every phone call as follows: "Insert your name the elf, what is your favorite color?"

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Energize Your Workplace!

Winnipeg: Jan. 24-25
London, Ont.: Feb 5
Edmonton: Feb.19 & 22
Vancouver: March 15
Winnipeg: May 1 & 24
Toronto: June 10-12
Toronto: June 20
Montreal: Sept 10-13

Keeping Up Your Ho Ho Hos During the Holidays Mike is quoted in the Forbes article, 14 Ways to Stay Focused at Work Through the Holidays

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