Although business is a serious business; an environment rich in Humor improves production, strengthens relationships and engages employees. So, Humor is a serious business too.
Let’s get clear on what we’re talking about:
- The playful recognition, enjoyment, and/or creation of incongruity;
- A composed and cheerful view on adversity that allows one to see it’s light side and thereby sustain a good mood;
- The ability to make others smile or laugh. (a)
The reality is we all enjoy being around those who exude these qualities, but there is also a business argument for Humor in the workplace. Did you know executives who use Humor effectively at work are consistently ranked ‘outstanding performers’ by their superiors, and they also received bigger bonuses than their peers?
Additionally, another study found that 81 percent… believe a fun working environment would make them more productive; 93 percent said that laughing on the job helps to reduce work-related stress. A further 55 percent said they would take less pay to have more fun at work. No wonder, Humor is such a critical skill set for leaders and their business environment!
Humor is easy to spot and even easier to experience.
Try this exercise in your mind’s eye. Take a 360-degree turn assessing your culture. Are you noticing smiles on the faces of your senior management and co-workers that reflect the one spreading across your face? Does your division remain positive while quality production remains high? Do you observe enjoyment, laughter and a light mood displayed even in the face of adversity and challenges? If your answer is yes, then, you can be confident Humor reigns in your surroundings.
But all is not praiseworthy in the world of Humor, as with all strengths, it does have a dark side. The shadowed face of Humor has a sarcastic and acidic edge to it that leaves others feeling victimized, belittled and disparaged.(b) At the root of this aspect of Humor rests low self-esteem. Such a frame of mind alters the constructive dynamics of Humor and instead engenders an injurious, high-stress, low-morale, disengaged work setting.
A workplace or an executive who permits destructive Humor to exist has seemingly forgotten the fundamental premise: Humor is about laughing with—not at the expense of others. Never forget, abiding at its core should be a kind heart.
And if you’re concerned that Humor isn’t part of your leadership playlist or the scars of life has you leaning toward the off-putting aspects, never fear. Humor can be learned as any skill is learned, one component at a time through reinforcement and cognitive restructuring. (c)
The ideal balance of Humor creates collegiality and an environment where people want to work. It is the foundation for good, healthy, work relations; one that relieves stress and stimulates productivity and creativity. As Andrew Tarvin, a humor engineer, says, “Humor is not about making work funny rather it is about making work fun.”
With this in mind, are you “high-fiving” yourself because you already include Humor in your repertoire or are you planning to move the good qualities of Humor to the top of your leadership development list?
(a) Character Strengths and Virtues, A Handbook and Classification, Christopher Peterson, Martin E.P. Seligman, Oxford University Press, 2004, Page 584.
(b) Zillman, 1983
(c) Character Strengths and Virtues, A Handbook and Classification, Christopher Peterson, Martin E.P. Seligman, Oxford University Press, 2004, Page 596.