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The Use and Abuse of Humour At Work

The use and abuse of humour at work

The Use and Abuse of Humour at Work

"Humour is a tool; used well it brings people together, used badly it pushes them apart." - Chris Farmer, Lead Trainer

At work, it can be good to have a laugh and can be very beneficial:.

  • Laughing can help build a good team spirit.
  • It can make the time pass more quickly.
  • It can make you appear more attractive.
  • Humour can make work more fun.

It is GOOD to have a laugh.

But not always!

Sometimes it is NOT good to laugh. Sometimes it is better to NOT clown around.

There are two things to be wary of;

  1. Humour as a weapon.
  2. Too much self-depreciative humour.

1. Using humour as a weapon

Be cautious of anyone who uses humour as a weapon to tear others down.

Some people have hostile intentions, but they express those hostile intentions in the form of sarcastic humour or jokes at the other's expense.

Some people use humour as a form of passive aggression or bullying.

I call this type, The Smiling Assassin.

Don't be a smiling assassin.

And don't allow the smiling assassin the freedom to attack you in meetings, and dress it up as a "Joke".

Take-on the smiling assassin.

2. Self-depreciative humour

Be cautious of using too much self-depreciative humour. This is when a person makes himself/herself the butt of their own jokes. He turns himself into a clown and puts himself down, as a joke.

A small amount of self-depreciation is endearing, as it shows that you are not egotistical. But if you do it too much, you turn into a Boris Johnson-type clown figure.

And it is interesting to note that Boris Johnson failed to achieve his stated goal of becoming prime minister; partly due to the fact that he has spent many years building a public persona that is that of the clown. And nobody will follow a clown into battle.

So don't always strive to be the funny one, in the meeting.

You don't have to be a comedian, to win.

Let the other person be the funny one, whilst you concern yourself with making the decisions.

Don't be the funny guy;

Be a serious person, with a sense of humour.

The double-edged sword of humour for leaders and managers.

Definition: workplace humour

Workplace humour is the light hearted talk and jokes shared during daily work that ease stress, build team spirit, spark new ideas and stay within respectful, professional limits. If it happens outside work, is not funny talk, harms the team, or breaks respect, it is no longer workplace humour.

Show CG4D Definition
Context: Business
Genus: behaviour
Differentia:
  • Happens during work based interaction
  • Uses jokes, wit or playful comments to prompt laughter
  • Aims to build bonds, cut stress or stir fresh ideas
  • Stays respectful and never mocks or bullies anyone

Article Summary

Use humour at work to bond teams, ease stress and spark ideas, but watch the line: jokes that wound or endless self-put-downs break trust and harm your standing. Lead by example, laugh with people not at them, and keep every punchline kind, clear and on purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

A 2021 Harvard Business Review survey of 1,500 workers found staff who laugh with co workers every day are 30% more engaged and 36% more likely to feel creative at work. The CIPD Good Work Index 2023 reports that 14% of UK staff faced jokes they felt were bullying or hostile in the past year.

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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