Some of the best leaders I’ve worked for, worked with, or simply had the honor to get to know all share something in common: they have a great sense of humor. Now, don't get me wrong—they're not cracking jokes all day long (we all know how that can go wrong), but they’ve mastered what I like to call Professional Humor. This isn't about being the class clown in the boardroom; it’s about knowing when and how to bring lightness to serious situations.
As Sun Tzu might have said, “Take matters of high importance lightly, and matters of small importance very seriously.” Though this isn't a direct quote from The Art of War, it aligns with his philosophy on strategy and knowing how to adapt to any situation—because sometimes, humor can be the ultimate strategy.
1. The Balance Between Humor and Leadership
Professional Humor is a key leadership skill, and finding the balance between too much and too little is critical. We’ve all been in those boardrooms where someone tells a bad joke at the worst time (think Office Space—seriously, if you haven't seen it, put it on your list). That kind of humor can backfire, break trust, and make things awkward fast.
The real power lies in using humor strategically to break tension and create a positive environment. It’s about timing and knowing your audience. Humor used correctly can build connections, foster collaboration, and even help your team refocus when the pressure is on.
2. Humor and Humility
There’s a strong link between humor and humility. Leaders who can laugh at themselves show confidence but also humbleness, a trait that resonates deeply with teams. Self-deprecating humor, when done right, shows that you’re human and approachable, that you don’t think you're above your team. That’s how you build trust.
It's easy to respect someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously, especially in moments when the stakes are high. A leader who can share in the laughs, even at their own expense, is someone others will feel more comfortable following.
3. Growth Comes From Challenges (and Humor Helps)
Growth comes when you’re challenged—by life, work, deadlines, or yourself. Whether it's pushing through that workout at 4:30 a.m. or hitting a critical business goal, growth happens when you're stretched to your limits. As they say, "fail quick and often" because that's where learning happens. The same goes for humor—it can be a pressure release valve when things get tough.
Good stress pushes you forward, sharpens your focus, and helps you grow. Bad stress, on the other hand, just drains you. Humor is a great way to shift bad stress into something manageable. A well-timed joke or light moment can break through the panic and remind everyone that no matter how serious things get, we’re all human.
As Stanley Bing writes in What Would Machiavelli Do?, leadership isn’t just about making big decisions; it's about knowing how to keep your team steady and motivated through the most challenging times—with a dash of humor to ease the load.
4. Professional Humor in Practice
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Sure, but how do I use humor effectively?” Here’s where it gets interesting. Humor can be part of your strategy, just like planning. I learned about the P.A.C.E. concept from Tim Kennedy, CEO of Sheepdog Response. It stands for Planned, Alternative, Contingency, and Emergency. You don't just need a Plan B—you need all scenarios covered.
The same goes for humor. If your joke lands, fantastic! If not, have an alternative ready, like a quick pivot to something more serious. If the timing or audience is off, have a contingency plan to shift the energy. And if all else fails—well, that’s when the emergency plan kicks in. You learn quickly, adjust, and move on.
Humor isn’t about forcing a laugh; it’s about keeping things in perspective. Professional Humor works because it helps put things into context and allows your team to focus on solving problems without the weight of unnecessary stress.
5. It’s All About Balance
There’s a delicate balance between taking things too seriously and being too laid back. You don’t want to be the leader who’s always stiff and formal, but you also don’t want to be the one who cracks jokes at the wrong time. That’s why Professional Humor is such a valuable skill. It’s all about knowing your audience and timing your moments to lighten up appropriately.
So, why so serious? Go ahead and lighten things up—professionally, of course. Just remember to have a plan for those moments when things don’t go as expected. Balance the challenges, keep your sense of humor, and always be ready to adapt. When you do that, you’ll find not only are you growing, but so is your team.
What’s Your Take?
Now, we'd love to hear from you! What’s your experience with humor in leadership? Have a few bad jokes of your own that you’ve been saving for the right moment? Or perhaps you’ve seen humor work wonders in stressful situations? Share your perspective with us, or if you're feeling bold, drop a joke below. Let's lighten things up together, professionally, of course!