Humor and Leadership
By Michael | October 29, 2009
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“A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along |
Like any leadership behavior, the use of humor requires skill. Properly used it can be a positive influence on those around you and promote a sense of comfort and confidence and reduce tension in individuals and teams.
Michael Lombardo and Robert Eichinger, authors of FYI – For Your Improvement share the following:
SKILLED LEADERS:
Have a positive and constructive sense of humor
· Can laugh at him/herself with others
· Use humor appropriately to reduce stress and diffuse tense situations
· Use humor to share their personal blunders; it humanizes you and endears people to you
· Know when and when not to use humor
· Utilize humor to improve productivity and build relationships
They also provide the following areas of caution:
Inappropriate humor may be disruptive and ill received
Avoid humor that is sexist, ethic, political or religious (or any type of humor used at another’s expense)
Don’t confuse cynicism or sarcasm with humor
Do not use humor when delivering an important message or addressing issues or problems
Also, be aware that humor is sometimes misinterpreted; read your audience and clarify your intention if you feel you are being misunderstood
For some using humor is a natural talent, for others it’s awkward even when you want to lighten the situation.
Observe others in your organization that are deemed funny. What can you learn from them? Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and give humor a try!
Sincerely,
Michael W. Kublin and Jan Mayer-Rodriguez
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Mike Kublin - email mkublin@peopletekcoaching.com
phone 1.888.565.9555 x711
or
Jan Mayer-Rodriguez – email jan@peopletekcoaching.com
phone 1.888.565.9555 x712
Enroll in our new webinar program
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Nov 11, 2009
11:30am – 1pm EST
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“Laughter is the shortest distance between two people
- Victor Borge
“Executive coaches report steady demand for their services despite the recession. Individual and corporate clients say the one-on-one counseling is critical for career success, especially during tough economic times”.
- Sarah E. Needleman, WALL Street Journal Aug 25, 2009
| Learning Leading Succeeding |
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Topics: Leadership Tips | No Comments »
LEADERSHIP and LAUGHTER
By Michael | January 29, 2009
| “Laughter is an important outlet for the pressures, pain and frustrations of leadership”. - Ronald Heifetz |
| Dear Leaders,
There have been numerous studies on leadership and laughter and we thought this could be a good time to share them with you. Did you know: Humor is a powerful form of persuasion. Humor promotes teamwork and camaraderie and stimulates creativity. In a mid 1980’s survey of 100 of the largest corporations in the country it was found that employees with a sense of humor were more effective. Humor has been linked with our emotional intelligence competencies. According to Daniel Goleman, (EQ author/expert): “Research on humor at work reveals that a well-timed joke or playful laughter can stimulate creativity, open lines of communication, enhance a sense of connection and trust, and, of course make work more fun …The artful use of humor typifies effective leadership … Allan Filipowicz, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior found that humor, used both proactively and reactively in small group situations, could greatly facilitate communication in what can be difficult interpersonal situations. Herb Kelleher, CEO Southwest Airlines says “We’re focused on fun and profit … and know how the two go together.” Sounds like a winning combination! Given that humor impacts the power of persuasion and communication, promotes teamwork, stimulates creativity and effectiveness, and builds trust, are you effectively utilizing humor and laughter? Sincerely, |
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“When the going gets tough, the smart lighten up.” -John Morreall |
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| LEARNING LEADING SUCCEEDING! www.peopletekcoaching.com 888.565.9555 |
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| ©John Baldoni, 1998 Excerpts on Laughter As Learning
“Laughter may be the best medicine. But is it possible that laughter also enriches the mind? John Cleese, the English comedian, recalls the Dalai Lama as telling him that laughter is good for thinking because-quote–”when people laugh, it is easier for them to admit new ideas to their minds.” Trainers use humor to point out negative behaviors in ways that teach rather than preach. Mediators tell us that the right joke, or the right moment of levity, can reduce tensions to the point that two adversaries can sit down at the table to consider the possibility of agreement. So why does humor work? Because it shatters preconceptions at the moment when people are forming new perceptions-about their work, their spouse, or life itself. Laughter is a release; it is a moment of sheer pleasure. And in our world of tension and turmoil, the belly laugh is a physical escape valve. Good humor, nourishing humor for example, enables us to laugh at ourselves for being human. It serves as a window into our souls”. |
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