At Stanford Business School, Naomi Bagdonas and Jennifer Aaker co-teach a course that explores an often-overlooked aspect of effective leadership: humor.
Bagdonas, a corporate strategist with a background in improv comedy, and Aaker, a behavioral scientist specializing in the study of happiness, combine their expertise to reveal how humor can be harnessed as a powerful tool for leadership.
Their course underscores the importance of humor as a teachable and essential skill in professional environments. Through their engaging and research-backed approach, they illuminate why humor is not just a nicety but a critical component for fostering motivation, creativity, and connection in the workplace.
The Humor Deficit
Bagdonas and Aaker emphasize that many workplaces suffer from a significant lack of humor. When they asked professionals, “How often do you laugh at work?” the responses often indicated that laughter is rare.
One respondent’s remark captures this issue perfectly: “I study climate change. Why would I laugh?”
Humor, according to Aaker, is a teachable skill and a valuable yet underutilized asset in the workplace. She references a global study showing a decline in laughter as people enter the workforce, with a resurgence in old age. This data underscores a missed opportunity for incorporating humor into daily professional life.
An Unexpected Leadership Tool
Connor Diemand-Yauman, the co-CEO of a large nonprofit, found himself leading his first virtual offsite meeting just weeks into the global quarantine in early 2020. The atmosphere was tense; his team was exhausted and anxious about the uncertain times ahead. As he began his presentation, Connor shared a few slides and then, seemingly by “mistake”, left his screen-share on. The entire organization watched in silence, thinking he had made a technical blunder.
But then, Connor deliberately opened a Google search and typed in, “Things inspirational CEOs say during hard times.” The tension broke as laughter rippled through the virtual room.
This intentional act of humor not only lightened the mood but also illustrated a powerful leadership lesson: humor can make leaders appear more motivating and approachable. Connor’s playful moment created a sense of connection and creativity within his team, proving that even in the most serious times, a well-placed joke can have a significant positive impact.
Humanizing Leadership
Being human is crucial in leadership, yet often overlooked. Survey data shows that one of the top traits inspiring trust in leaders is speaking like a regular person.
Small changes, like more personable email sign-offs, can make significant differences in how leaders are perceived and how they connect with their teams.
Bagdonas and Aaker argue that seriousness and humor are not mutually exclusive. They share a story about Madeleine Albright using a humorous approach to address a serious diplomatic breach, illustrating that balancing gravity and levity can enhance leadership effectiveness and foster better communication.
The Wrap
Humor is a fundamental component of effective leadership. Shifting perspective to find humor in everyday truths and incorporating it into interactions can transform workplaces, making them more joyful, connected, and creative.
Embracing humor humanizes leadership roles, fosters stronger team bonds, and creates a more inclusive and engaging environment.
The benefits are significant: humor reduces stress, builds trust, and enhances overall well-being. Where humor thrives, so do love, connection, and productivity.
