Learn how to navigate humor in professional settings with guest Naomi Bagdonas, co-author of Humor, Seriously!, and Michael Terry, a hilarious hedge fund guy. They discuss jokes that flop at the office, handling tense situations, and avoiding offending your boss with humor.
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Quick takeaways
Avoid jokes targeting sensitive topics to prevent HR issues and maintain an inclusive environment.
Authenticity in leadership roles through genuine humor fosters trust, engagement, and creativity in workplaces.
Deep dives
Navigating Workplace Humor
Navigating workplace humor requires understanding the boundaries and being cautious not to offend others. Avoid jokes that target sensitive topics like appearance, gender, ethnicity, or age to prevent potential HR issues. Creating a positive and inclusive environment means refraining from jokes that punch down or make others uncomfortable.
Importance of Authenticity in Humor
Authenticity plays a crucial role in humor, especially in leadership roles. Being true to oneself and using humor to connect with others authentically can lead to improved trust, engagement, and creativity in workplaces. By staying genuine and acknowledging humanity, leaders can foster stronger connections and encourage a positive work environment.
Humor as a Source of Meaning
Humor goes beyond workplace success; it can enhance the quality of life and contribute to a more meaningful existence. Research suggests that humor can offer insights into leading a fulfilling life by promoting resilience, creativity, and a sense of purpose. Cultivating humor in personal and professional settings can lead to a more enriching and regret-free life.
Significance of Humor in Building Relationships
Humor serves as a powerful tool in building relationships and creating a collaborative work environment. It acts as a window into fostering authentic connections, reducing stress, and enhancing creativity. Utilizing humor effectively can boost motivation, engagement, and problem-solving capabilities within teams, ultimately leading to increased productivity and a positive work culture.
Last week we learned about using the four different styles of humor to your advantage, and who makes a good target for a joke. But what if you read the room wrong and absolutely bomb? On this episode of How To!, the second in a two-part series, we resume our conversation with Naomi Bagdonas, co-author of Humor, Seriously!, and Michael Terry, the most hilarious hedge fund guy we’ve ever met. They swap stories about office jokes that fell flat, how to navigate a suddenly tense situation and what to do if your humor accidentally offends someone (especially your boss).
If you liked this episode, check out “How To Be Funny” with comedian Gary Gulman.
If you want to discover your own humor style, take the test on Naomi and Jennifer’s website.
Do you have a joke that killed at the office, or totally bombed? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001.
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