Did you know that the most effective and successful leaders use humor to increase productivity, build relationships, and improve results?
Humor, when properly used, will positively influence those around you, promote a sense of comfort and confidence, and reduce tension in individuals and teams.
A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.
–Dwight D. Eisenhower
Numerous studies have been conducted and have found:
- Humor is a powerful form of persuasion
- Humor promotes teamwork and camaraderie
- Humor stimulates creativity
- Humor improves lines of communication
Humor is linked with our emotional intelligence competencies.
Daniel Goleman,(EQ author/expert) says:
Research on humor at work reveals that a well-timed joke or playful laughter can stimulate creativity, open lines of communication, enhance a sense of connection and trust, and, of course make work more fun.
Bryan Lattimore states that humor can be used as:
- A way to break the ice in stiff or uncomfortable business situations
- An effective bonding technique – a wonderful way to build common ground with other employees
- A way to break down resistance
- A much needed way to improve the content, enjoyment, and ultimately the productivity of meetings
- A way to assign work when people can’t take any more
- A wonderful way to ease and control tension
Like any leadership behavior, the use of humor requires skill. For some, using humor is a natural talent, for others it’s awkward. Tip: Avoid humor that is sexist, ethnic, political or religious since this is usually at someone’s expense, and is likely to be disruptive and ill received.
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give humor a try! Consider all the benefits provided by humor and ask yourself “am I effectively leveraging it?
Here’s a Wealth of Information
Each week we partner with QwikCoach and provide the ability for you to reinforce or expand your knowledge of a prior topic.
Last week’s tip focused on Passion and Energy.
Go to QwikTips to read more! There are two different versions–one for visitors and one for licensed QwikCoach users.
Help turn your leadership knowledge into leadership action!
Did You Know?
Graduates of PeopleTek’s Leadership Journey Earn:
- IT Professionals: 19 priSM CPD credits
- Human Resource SPHR/PHR/GPHR: 19 HR (General) credit hours
- Project Managers: PMI – up to 37 hours / 3 PSM level points
- Executive Coaches: 18 ICF CCE’s (Core Competencies) & 5 ICF CCE’s (Resource Development)
Additionally, the Journey is approved for PMI re-certification credits.