51 - The Surprising Benefits of Humor at Work

Doing (good) Business

Need a laugh? April’s episodes were recorded before all of our lives changed dramatically, and we wanted to offer them as a break from all-things-difficult. Tune in to hear Kelly & Lara’s funniest workplace stories, Kelly’s Scottish brogue (because April 6th, when this episode was released, is Tartan Day in the US!), and why it really is good business to use (appropriate) humor at work.

Check out:

• Forbes on Why humor is a key to success at work
• HBR on Leading with humor
• D(g)B’s Fear episode

We’re talking about humor as an active ingredient in making work enjoyable, a break from the intellectual and emotional challenges we face at work.

Be aware of what the experts call “divergent conceptualizations of humor.” It can bring people together or push them apart depending on what you think is funny.

We’re talking about humor that brings us together. Why?

- The research indicates that “people who express positive emotions at work, including humor, are more likely to receive assistance and support.” Humor gets people in a good mood, which is why even comedians have warm-up acts.

- When people are feeling good and laughing, they are actually filling their own coffers with the social resources that are essential for cooperation because feeling good means we’re not feeling fear. When we’re not feeling fear, we’re more primed, as humans, to be part of a tribe.

Other ways reasons to integrate humor into your business – to improve cooperation which aids negotiations and customer relations.

Our key take-away? Intentionally integrating humor helps people connect, and when they connect, they're better able to collaborate and create solutions.