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| 1 minute read

These Stanford experts say humor is the key to great leadership: ‘We can do serious things without taking ourselves too seriously’

Martin Niemeoller said "if you can laugh at yourself, you will be fine. If you allow others to laugh with you, you will be great."

 My entire life I have dealt with just about every situation with some level of humor, sometimes it is a gift sometimes a curse. When I am happy, sad, nervous, excited, even angry I tend to fall back on or refer to something that I personally find humorous about the situation (within professional reason). I also think it is important to show those you work with that you are a real person and that it is in fact a good thing to have some level of humility. This keeps you grounded and humble while also relieving some of the tension that day to day responsibilities can bring to you and your team. 

When it comes to humor in the workplace, I look at it like this.... I spend more time with my coworkers than I do with my family many weeks. We face challenges together, wins, losses, family issues, office politics, etc. If we are unable to bring a bit of laughter into the workplace imagine how dry and boring life would be. I am not suggesting that everyone needs to be the office clown but I do think it is important for everyone regardless of their position or level within an organisation to bring a bit of their true self to the table so that there are more smiles shared throughout the day. 

More smiles brings more happiness and with happiness comes the drive to succeed. 

Have a great week!

Leaders who share a laugh with their employees can foster stronger connections with them. Their relationships can go from being “transactional to human,” the Stanford duo said. “It floods our brains with the same hormones associated with love. And who doesn’t want to feel more joy and love in our lives?” Aaker noted.

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leadership, employee, english, highlight

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