Humor functions as a leadership skill that builds connection, eases tension, and raises morale when applied thoughtfully. Leaders can learn different humor styles and tactical approaches to link with teams, lift spirits, and lead more effectively. Effective tactics include self-deprecation, storytelling, witty banter, and levity tailored to audience norms. Humor carries risks including offense, boundary-crossing, and misfiring when leaders try too hard or use inappropriate jokes. Observing personal communication style, practicing authenticity, and avoiding targeting or marginalizing others reduce pitfalls. Consistent, situational use of humor can expand a leader’s influence and strengthen team cohesion.
ADI IGNATIUS: So, Alison, I think leaders often wonder whether and how they can be funny at work with their teams. I think there's something great about humor, it brings us together. It's also risky, right? One person's joke is another person's offense. Tell me about you. Do you try to be funny at work with your teams? ALISON BEARD: I would say that I don't try to be funny. I try to be amusing.
ADI IGNATIUS: And look, there's the image we all have of Steve Carell in The Office, the boss who tries to be funny who never is, who crosses lines and really accomplishes the opposite of what he's trying to do. So, there's a right way to do it. There's a wrong way to do it. The conversation though that I had with our guest, his belief is that even people who feel like, "I'm not funny," they can tap a kind of funniness within themselves
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