Discover how humor can be a powerful tool in the workplace and relationships, with insights on the 'humor cliff' phenomenon and different humor styles. Learn how humor can enhance productivity, mental health, and communication, with advice on using self-deprecating humor effectively. Tune in for a fun and informative discussion on the benefits of embracing humor in everyday life.
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Quick takeaways
Humor can defuse tense situations and promote open discussions, as shown by Secretary Albright's bug brooch incident with the Russian Foreign Minister.
Humor serves as a powerful tool for mental well-being and workplace connections, addressing age-related decline in humor and emphasizing the need for levity in interactions.
Deep dives
The Power of Humor in Difficult Situations
During a tense encounter between Secretary Albright and the Russian Foreign Minister after Russia was caught bugging the U.S. State Department, Albright diffused the tension by wearing a bug brooch, prompting a smile from the minister. This lighter moment allowed for a more open and productive discussion, showcasing the underappreciated power of humor to navigate challenging situations.
The Importance of Humor in Mental Wellbeing
In a time of increased mental health issues and burnout, humor serves as a powerful tool to connect and uplift people, especially in the workplace. Research indicates a decline in humor with age, highlighting the need to infuse more levity into daily interactions. Despite challenges, humor remains a vital aspect of improving mental wellbeing and fostering connections.
Harnessing Humor at Work for Success
Utilizing humor in the workplace goes beyond entertainment, as it can influence job interviews and overall workplace dynamics. Self-deprecation is a potent approach, particularly for high-status individuals, to build rapport and showcase vulnerability. Understanding different humor styles like sniper, magnet, stand-up, and sweetheart allows individuals to adapt their humor based on status and audience dynamics to enhance communication and relationships.
Did you know that we, as a society, have fallen off a comedy cliff? No joke. Studies have shown that we largely stop laughing when we enter our mid-twenties, which is a shame because delighting in humor has a ton of health benefits. Plus, being perceived as funny can actually make people think you’re more intelligent, more competent, and even better looking! So on this episode of How To!, the first in a two-part series, we bring on Naomi Bagdonas, co-author of Humor, Seriously!, and Michael Terry, an amateur comedian who is working in the funniest of places: high finance. Combined, they have decades of experience harnessing the power humor and applying it to the workplace.
If you want to discover your own humor style, take the test on Naomi and Jennifer’s website.
Do you have a question with no easy answers? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001 and we might have you on the show.
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