Leading with Humor

“Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air and you.”

- Langston Hughes

Laughter is often the best medicine in life – but what about using humor in the workplace?   In the work environment we are expected to be sensitive to others and treat people with respect.  In fact, there are policies in place to promote appropriate behavior.  So is it smart to use humor in today’s workplace?

The answer: yes. Humor and respect for others are not mutually exclusive. Effectively using humor can drive positive emotions in the workplace.  Laughter can build relationships, encourage creativity, and reduce tension.  Employers frequently list having a sense of humor as a desirable quality in new employees.

So if all this is true, why are certain leaders reluctant to include humor as they relate to others?  I have had leaders say that using humor is a minefield, filled with potential misunderstandings.  Others say humor may contribute to a hostile work environment, which is certainly not where an organization wants to be.  I also believe there is a risk to humor and some leaders prefer to play it safe.

I recall a business trip years ago that resulted in a humorous story, and the joke was on me.  Following a full day of meetings, I was exhausted and heading to the airport on a Friday afternoon.  Arriving at the terminal I was ready to check-in and suddenly noticed there were no passengers.  I asked an employee what was happening and he smiled.  He told me the new airport on the other end of town had opened that morning.  Racing to the new airport I watched my flight depart on time as I entered the parking lot.  This was the last commercial flight of the day and I spent the night.  I use this story to remind others, and myself, we all make mistakes and to be careful of our assumptions.

Three principles to effectively use humor in the workplace:

Humility
A study published in the Leadership & Organization Development Journal reported that leaders who use self-deprecating humor appear more approachable and human to subordinates.  Similar to my airport story, focusing humor on your mistakes or shortcomings is a message to others about your humility.  Sometimes the joke needs to be on you.

Appropriate Material 
Where can you find good, clean material?  Everywhere!  You don’t need a library of joke books.  There is humor all around us – pay attention during your daily routine.  The grocery store, driving, or attending a sporting event.  Good taste needs to be your standard –know your audience and check your material if in doubt.  Office humor needs to be inclusive and positive. Sarcasm may generate a few temporary laughs but is disrespectful to individuals and your organization.  Personal insults and insensitive material may  violate company policies preventing a hostile work environment (race, gender, age, etc...).​  Understand the boundaries - the office is not a comedy club.

Maintain your Credibility
Leaders must consistently model the way that humor is accepted and appreciated.  We need to be careful to use just enough humor without eroding our credibility.  Constantly laughing or joking can result in others not taking you seriously – pick your spots.

The art of leading with humor is within our reach.  Applying the principles of humility, appropriate material, and credibility will enable you to connect with others more effectively.  Remember, the most effective laugh may be the one on you!