How managers can learn how to lead with humour

Learn how psychology can be used to become a better leader.

1. LEADING WITH HUMOR 你好 What does a gossiping coffee do? Spill the beans. Assumptions : Humor may decrease productivity (getting sidetracked), appropriateness depends on what company you work for/industry, humor is innate

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 TYPES OF HUMOR A description and definition of humor types. 02 LEADING WITH HUMOR The effects of managerial humor on organisations. 03 THE POWER OF HUMOR The general effects of humor in an organisational context. 04 HOW TO USE HUMOR EFFECTIVELY Things to keep in mind when using humor. ! !

3. DEFINING HUMOR 01 There are 4 main types of humor. What's humor?

4. HOW CAN HUMOR BE CHARACTERIZED? AGGRESSIVE Designed to bully, ridicule, or belitte others. SELF-DEFEATING Designed to lower social status to encourage approachability. SELF-ENHANCING Used to reduce stress. AFFILIATIVE Nonthreatening, non-hostile, designed to enhance social interactions. (Mesmer-Magnus and Glew, 2012)

5. THE POWER OF HUMOR How does humor affect people in work settings? 02 What can humor do?

6. MAIN EFFECTS OF HUMOR WELLBEING Helps cope with workplace stress (increase relaxation). Mitigates effects of burnout. Decrease depression / anxiety. ORGANISATIONAL CULTURE Improves moral. Improves communication. Strengthens employee bonding and rapport (socialisation/group cohesion). PERFORMANCE Increased creativity and openness → risk-taking → efficiency and productivity Promote teamwork → enhanced performance Motivates hard work (Mesmer-Magnus and Glew, 2012; Caudill and Woodzicka, 2017; Romero and Cruthirds, 2006; Sizemore and O´Brien, 2023

7. LEADING WITH HUMOR 03 What effects do managerial humor have on a team? Why should I use humor as a manager?

8. THE IMPACT OF MANAGERIAL HUMOR COMMUNICATION Persuasiveness, attention ! SECURING POWER ! Secures power in hierarchies, behavioral compliance SATISFACTION Less work withdrawal, more committment WORKGROUP COHESION Reduces social distance PERFORMANCE Creative problem-solving, learning, OCB behavior (Mesmer-Magnus and Glew, 2012; Caudill and Woodzicka, 2017; Romero and Cruthirds, 2006; Sizemore and O´Brien, 2023

9. USING HUMOR 04 Things to keep in mind when using humor. How can we effectively apply humor?

10. BEING MINDFUL WHEN USING HUMOR GENDER ETHNICITY Stay away from gender-based humor → causes conflict, division, conveys the wrong values, can easily be interpreted as harassment Different ethnicities bring different cultural values and its important to be aware of this → otherwise this will lead to accidental discrimination, offense, or marginalisation (Romero and Cruthirds, 2006 ) Know your audience Know your timing Balance your professionalism + +

11. Key Takeaways Humor can improve employee well being, foster a positive organisational culture, and improve performance (especially affiliative and self-enhancing humor) Leading with humor can improve employee satisfaction, communication, and establish power dynamics Be mindful of gender differences, diverse cultures, and communicating your humor in a clear and timely manner “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” -Eisenhower

12. Questions for further research? Are there specific industries or organizational cultures where the use of humor as a leadership tool is more or less effective? NOT ANSWERED How can managers develop their sense of humor and comedic skills to lead effectively? NOT ANSWERED How does virtual

13. So stay funny! Its not just a way to bring laughter, but a powerful tool to inspire, connect, and create a safe space to perform at their best! Ciao! Hola