Humor is a Funny Thing

If you follow my posts, you’ll note that Leadership Communication comes up a lot.

The reason is simple: “what” a leader communicates and “how” they communicate it are important elements of building a high functioning Team. (“when”, or the proper timing of communication, we’ll take up another day).

Great communication inspires and elevates. Poor communication tears things down.

Which brings me to the notion of using “humor” as a Leadership communication tool.

Over time, I’ve observed Leaders often use humor to appear as “informal & approachable”, to take the steam out of a pressurized situation, and as a means to connect as a “real” person with their team.

And humor can be effective to achieve these ends. But, as with all leadership tools, we have to be sufficiently sophisticated and nuanced to understand how our words, even ones intended as funny, land with our audience.

Often I’ve observed what a Leader intended to be funny in a Team setting to come through as:

• Being flippant, disrespectful and demeaning when the Team brought new ideas or challenges to the table, leaving the impression that that only ideas which mattered were those of the Leader;

• Being passive-aggressive digs on a Team member who is speaking, leaving the person addressed feeling diminished and embarrassed;

• Being cynical about Team or Organizational performance or direction, undercutting his or her authority to lead within that organization and demotivating those present;

• Being sophomoric and crude in commentary, embarrassing themselves and potentially creating a hostile work environment.

So, what are the Leadership Nuggets?

First, a key part of a Leadership role is setting the “tone from the top”, which includes showing how effective communication is done. Effectiveness starts with demonstrating in word and act respect for the Team and creating an environment where ideas are freely and safely expressed.

Humor can be a useful tool to lighten a situation. It's fine to show your humanity by poking fun at your own foibles. But, a Leader should never mock people or their ideas. Once bitten, twice shy, the object of your ridicule won’t speak up again and other members learn their honest engagement can come with a high price tag.

Misplaced “humor” which mocks its target destroys trust and creates fear. In such an environment, your team won’t feel safe to be honest with you on what goes well and what does not.

Opportunity is also lost to give needed feedback and constructive criticism which will help the person or team you’re leading grow and do better next time. How sad to let such opportunities pass as you’re working on your stand-up routine.

Finally, remember your role: you’re the Leader not the Team “buddy”; you’re there to build your team up and to encourage their growth and development.

That’s all for now. If you would like to discuss how you can more effectively communicate or to drive better communication in your organization generally, I’d love the chance to speak with you about what I can offer with either a Consulting or a Coaching engagement. Please feel free to schedule a Exploration Session with me by clicking on the blue button below.

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Be well everybody,