There was a book published last year that’s called “Humor, Seriously”. It's the brainchild of two women who are experts at humor in the workplace and, in these days of an ever-evolving climate of political correctness, I think it's bold of them to remind us to crack jokes at work.

Through their research, they would say good leaders understand the power of humor and that they use it because it benefits them and their team in many ways.

Psychologists have proven through science that humor can be used to make others feel good, create intimacy and reduce stress. They actually see a sense of humor as a strength alongside other human strengths like  gratitude, hope and spirituality. These types of strengths are categorized by science as ‘transcendent’ in that they help humans forge connections and provide meaning. And for those of us less funny ourselves but appreciate humor, these same experts believe that correlates to being wise and possessing a love of learning. 

But how do we know how far to take it? Where is the line between professional and inappropriate? 

For me, this is where DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) training comes in. If a good leader uses humor to tickle the universal humanity in the moment, it’s a win. If they choose to humble themselves and make fun of their own ineptitude, the Pratfall effect kicks in and everyone around them sees that they too are human. However, if authority chooses to use humor as a way to express systemic discriminatory beliefs or biases, (I hope everyday you will grow to know who you are!) it's destructive. 

All in all, humor increases our feelings of emotional well-being and optimism and that makes for better work! But remember, without awareness of how your humor is making others feel, it too much of a risk.

Make sure to cultivate enough safety in your joking that when and if you’ve crossed the line, you have the ears to hear it and the words to say “I am sorry’. Without humility and apology, your arrogance can get you, at the least: fired and at the worst, unaware that you’re just an a%#hole,

Amber (a.k.a. The Feisty PM)