Humor Makes a Better Leader

April, the month that starts off with “fools day” is a good time to take a look at the importance of using humor as a leader. It is no joke that humor can make you a more effective leader. Dwight Eisenhower once said, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.”  Eisenhower certainly understood a thing or two about leadership. 

When you can use humor to diffuse difficult or tense situations, you are perceived as being “on top of things” or in control—whether you are or not.  Think about it, who are you more likely to follow? Someone who is stressed out and frazzled by a recent string of events?  Or someone calm and controlled, and able to apply humor to relieve tension before getting back to business? 

In addition to this improved perception, the use of humor can also improve your ability to influence.  People are naturally more inclined to read and listen to what you have to say if you consistently use humor. All of this leads to better leading.  But for those of you still not convinced, consider the results of studies published in the Harvard Business Review:

• A survey of 1,000 executives discovered that 84% of respondents felt that workers with a sense of humor do a better job.
  
  
• A survey of 700+ CEOs showed that 98% of them preferred job candidates with a sense of humor.
  
  
• A study of 20 executives at one company showed that executives ranked as “Outstanding” vs. “Average” used humor 133% more than their average counterparts.  Reviewing compensation for the same group showed the size of their bonuses was positively correlated to their use of humor. You might say that not only does money talk, it also laughs.

So as you prepare to make that pre-game speech, or have that conversation with anyone, remember to keep humor at the top of your mind.  You may find yourself leading the way to better leadership.

Humor That Works: The Missing Skill for Success and Happiness at Work