

A Serious Case for Humor | Jennifer Aaker & Naomi Bagdonas
Mar 2, 2022
Jennifer Aaker, a professor at Stanford specializing in well-being, joins Naomi Bagdonas, an executive coach with improv training, to explore the importance of humor in life and work. They discuss the 'humor cliff' phenomenon, where laughter declines post-23, and outline four humor styles to help listeners identify their own. Aaker and Bagdonas emphasize humor's role in authentic communication and its transformative power for leadership. Practical tips on integrating humor into everyday interactions make for an enlightening and entertaining conversation.
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Humor Cliff
- We've fallen off a "humor cliff" around age 23, smiling and laughing less.
- This coincides with entering the workforce, and laughter doesn't return until age 80.
Workplace Humor Misconceptions
- People believe they must be serious at work, suppressing humor for perceived success.
- Focusing on truth and delight, rather than jokes or cleverness, unlocks natural humor.
Humor as a Tool
- Use humor, especially during stressful times, as it releases endorphins and reduces cortisol.
- Laughing together improves physiological well-being and strengthens connections.