Humor, Seriously
Dr. Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas
18 min
7 Key Points
4.4 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the power of humor in enhancing your professional and personal life, and learn practical ways to incorporate it into your daily interactions, regardless of your comedic skill level.
You'll learn
1. Why laughter matters in life and work2. Tips to boost your funny bone3. Using jokes to lead and unite teams4. Adding humor to your personal brand5. Humor's role in sparking creativity and solutions6. Making work fun with humor.Key points
01Sticking to the old ways can kill creativity. Try new things!
Let's talk about the old-school, by-the-book way of doing things. You know, the kind where there's a rule for everything and you're expected to follow it to the letter. Sure, it might keep things running smoothly, but it's not exactly a hotbed for creativity, is it? It's like trying to paint a masterpiece while staying inside the lines of a coloring book. Now, imagine a different kind of workplace. One where the rules aren't so rigid, where there's room to play around and try new things. This is where humor comes into the picture. Yes, you heard it right, humor. It's not just for stand-up comedians and class clowns. It's a secret weapon that can spark creativity and innovation. Think about it. When you're relaxed and having fun, your mind is more open to new ideas. You're more likely to take risks and think outside the box. And that's where the magic happens. Take Google, for example. They're famous for their laid-back work environment, where employees are encouraged to spend 20% of their time on personal projects. And guess what? This approach has led to some of their biggest hits, like Gmail and Google News. It's a perfect example of how a little flexibility can go a long way in fostering creativity. But the benefits of humor don't stop there. It can also help build stronger relationships in the workplace. When leaders crack a joke or two, it makes them seem more approachable and relatable. This can lead to better communication and collaboration, which are key ingredients for creativity. After all, great ideas often come from the mixing and mingling of different perspectives. So, while there's a time and place for traditional methods, they can sometimes put a damper on creativity. Instead, why not try injecting a little humor into the mix? It could be just the thing to create a more conducive environment for creativity and innovation. And who knows? You might even have a little fun along the way.
02We're losing our shared laughs. Let's bring back the fun!
Hey there, let's talk about humor. You know, that thing that makes you chuckle, giggle, or even snort when you least expect it. It's a universal language, but it seems like we're losing it. Not just in our personal lives, but in our workplaces too. Dr. Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas, after chatting with over 700 folks from all walks of life, found that there are four big myths about humor that are causing this global giggle drought. First up, we have the Business Myth. This is the idea that humor and professionalism are like oil and water - they just don't mix. Many of us worry that cracking a joke at work will make us look less serious or credible. This fear often grows as we climb the corporate ladder, feeling the need to maintain a stern, serious image. But this has led to a humorless environment in many workplaces. Aaker and Bagdonas argue that we need to find a happy medium between professionalism and humor. Next, we have the Failure Myth. This is the fear of bombing when trying to be funny. We've all been there - the joke that falls flat, the awkward silence, the fear of accidentally offending someone. But Aaker and Bagdonas say that not all humor "fails" are bad. Getting a laugh isn't the only measure of successful humor. Then there's the Being Funny Myth. This is the belief that to use humor effectively, you have to be naturally funny. But Aaker and Bagdonas argue that it's more important to have a sense of humor than to be the class clown. Appreciating humor and showing that you have a sense of humor can have a big impact, especially if you're a leader. Finally, we have the Born With It Myth. This is the idea that humor is something you're born with, not a skill you can learn. But Aaker and Bagdonas argue that humor is indeed a skill, not something you inherit from your funny uncle. These myths are causing a worldwide humor shortage, creating misconceptions about the role and value of humor in our lives. If we don't bust these myths and understand the real deal about humor, we'll continue to see a lack of humor in our lives and workplaces. This can lead to a less enjoyable work environment and missed opportunities for connection and creativity. So let's start busting these myths and bring back the laughter!
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03Everyone's got a unique humor style. Find yours and use it!
04Comedy is all about spotting the weird in the world. Keep your eyes open!
05The words we use can change how we feel and act. Choose them wisely!
06A bit of humor can solve a lot of office problems. Lighten up the workplace!
07Conclusion
About Dr. Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas
Dr. Jennifer Aaker is a behavioral psychologist, author, and Stanford Graduate School of Business professor, known for her research on time, money, and happiness. Naomi Bagdonas is a Stanford lecturer, executive coach, and corporate strategist who teaches about the power and value of humor in the business world.
