A sense of humor is one of the most underestimated leadership skills
Following the recommendation in “The Great CEO Within” I listened to “The One Minute Manager”. In one of the chapters, they mention the usage of Humor as a leadership tool. It is not about becoming a comedian but rather showing up as humans. Humor is a powerful and often overlooked tool.
Why it matters:
- Humor helps build trust and rapport – people are more likely to engage and collaborate when they feel comfortable and connected.
- It can reduce stress and tension, boosting well-being and performance.
- Humor makes leaders more approachable and memorable, signaling confidence and emotional intelligence.
- Shared laughter fosters psychological safety, helping teams voice ideas and take risks.
Of course, balance is key – humor should complement clarity and respect, not replace them. Too many jokes or poorly timed humor can actually backfire, so think of it as a strategic leadership tool, not a default setting. It’s about knowing when a light moment can lower defenses, reset the room, or simply remind everyone that work is done by humans, not robots.
Related resources –
- Laughter in Leadership & Workplace Performance – https://www.forbes.com/sites/cherylrobinson/2025/03/09/laughter-in-leadership-how-humor-enhances-workplace-performance
- How Humor Keeps Employees Engaged – https://www.shrm.org/mena/topics-tools/news/employee-relations/how-humor-can-keep-employees-engaged
- Humor Boosts Credibility at Work – https://www.atlassian.com/blog/teamwork/humor-at-work
Tom Ron 