Laughter is an important outlet for the pressures, pain and frustrations of leadership. - Ronald Heifetz
cJohn Baldoni, 1998 Excerpts on Laughter As Learning
"Laughter may be the best medicine. But is it possible that laughter also enriches the mind?
John Cleese, the English comedian, recalls Dalai Lama as telling him that laughter is good for thinking because-quote--"when people laugh, it is easier for them to admit new ideas to their minds."
Trainers use humor to point out negative behaviors in ways that teach rather than preach. Mediators tell us that the right joke, or the right moment of levity, can reduce tensions to the point that two adversaries can sit down at the table to consider the possibility of agreement.
So why does humor work? Because it shatters preconceptions at the moment when people are forming new perceptions-about their work, their spouse, or life itself.
Laughter is a release; it is a moment of sheer pleasure. And in our world of tension and turmoil, the belly laugh is a physical escape valve.
Good humor, nourishing humor for example, enables us to laugh at ourselves for being human. It serves as a window into our souls".
There have been numerous studies on leadership and laughter and we thought this could be a good time to share them with you.
Did you know:
- Humor is a powerful form of persuasion.
- Humor promotes teamwork and camaraderie and stimulates creativity.
In a mid 1980's survey of 100 of the largest corporations in the country it was found that employees with a sense of humor were more effective.
Humor has been linked with our emotional intelligence competencies. According to Daniel Goleman, (EQ author/expert):
"Research on humor at work reveals that a well-timed joke or playful laughter can stimulate creativity, open lines of communication, enhance a sense of connection and trust, and, of course make work more fun ...The artful use of humor typifies effective leadership ...
Allan Filipowicz, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior found that humor, used both proactively and reactively in small group situations, could greatly facilitate communication in what can be difficult interpersonal situations.
Herb Kelleher, CEO Southwest Airlines says "We're focused on fun and profit ... and know how the two go together." Sounds like a winning combination!
Given that humor impacts the power of persuasion and communication, promotes teamwork, stimulates creativity and effectiveness, and builds trust, are you effectively utilizing humor and laughter?
When the going gets tough, the smart lighten up. - John Morreall
cJohn Baldoni, 1998 Excerpts on Laughter As Learning
"Laughter may be the best medicine. But is it possible that laughter also enriches the mind?
John Cleese, the English comedian, recalls Dalai Lama as telling him that laughter is good for thinking because-quote--"when people laugh, it is easier for them to admit new ideas to their minds."
Trainers use humor to point out negative behaviors in ways that teach rather than preach. Mediators tell us that the right joke, or the right moment of levity, can reduce tensions to the point that two adversaries can sit down at the table to consider the possibility of agreement.
So why does humor work? Because it shatters preconceptions at the moment when people are forming new perceptions-about their work, their spouse, or life itself.
Laughter is a release; it is a moment of sheer pleasure. And in our world of tension and turmoil, the belly laugh is a physical escape valve.
Good humor, nourishing humor for example, enables us to laugh at ourselves for being human. It serves as a window into our souls".
There have been numerous studies on leadership and laughter and we thought this could be a good time to share them with you.
Did you know:
- Humor is a powerful form of persuasion.
- Humor promotes teamwork and camaraderie and stimulates creativity.
In a mid 1980's survey of 100 of the largest corporations in the country it was found that employees with a sense of humor were more effective.
Humor has been linked with our emotional intelligence competencies. According to Daniel Goleman, (EQ author/expert):
"Research on humor at work reveals that a well-timed joke or playful laughter can stimulate creativity, open lines of communication, enhance a sense of connection and trust, and, of course make work more fun ...The artful use of humor typifies effective leadership ...
Allan Filipowicz, Assistant Professor of Organizational Behavior found that humor, used both proactively and reactively in small group situations, could greatly facilitate communication in what can be difficult interpersonal situations.
Herb Kelleher, CEO Southwest Airlines says "We're focused on fun and profit ... and know how the two go together." Sounds like a winning combination!
Given that humor impacts the power of persuasion and communication, promotes teamwork, stimulates creativity and effectiveness, and builds trust, are you effectively utilizing humor and laughter?
When the going gets tough, the smart lighten up. - John Morreall
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