“Humor without humility leads to damaged relationships”

For those of you that know me, you know that I believe humor is a vital element in the workplace and life, in general.  So, I pause….

                “When I found the skull in the woods, the first thing I did was call the police.  But then I got curious about it.  I picked it up, and started wondering who this person was, and why he had deer horns.” – John Handey

Humor can calm nerves, cut through stress, make strangers friends, and create a bond that is hard to break.  When done well, humor can be the critical element in team performance, individual relationships, or friendships.  However, there is a time and a place for humor.  And, there is a right way and wrong way to inject humor.  Another pause…

“Probably to a shark, about the funniest thing there is is a wounded seal, trying to swim to shore, because where does he think he’s going?!” – John Handey

Humor can be harmful when used improperly.  When humor is directed at an individual, it can create tension that can ultimately harm relationships.  So, how do you disarm this concern?  One of the best things to remember when using humor is to use it with humility.  Make fun of yourself!  Ensure that everyone knows that you have a sense of humor and can handle humor directed at yourself.  When it becomes clear that others can poke at you (appropriately, of course), it allows more freedom to use humor with others.  So, be humble… allow others to have fun at your expense… be considerate of others when using humor… and, have fun whenever possible.

Thanks for making this the terrific company that it is.  One last word from John Handey:

“It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.”

Have a great day!