I’m funny how? Like I’m a clown? I amuse you?

As has been previously documented…and as I’ve been often reminded…I’m not funny.  At least, I’m not as funny as I think I am.

Mind you, this hasn’t stopped me from trying.

I know I’ve mentioned this before.  Often.  Repeatedly.  “Know your audience”.  There’s a time and a place for everything, and quite often the workplace is the wrong place. 

And yes, I recognize some may feel as though we have gotten more sensitive over the last few years.  You may call it that…others may say “aware”.  I’ll skip “woke” altogether.

Some people can’t help but be funny.  Trust me…I know what a burden it can be.  But does humor belong in the workplace?  More importantly, can it be used to one’s advantage?

Let’s face it: life in the promotional products industry should be fun.  We sell innovative products and solutions to help people and companies attain and surpass goals.  By incorporating humor and light-heartedness, we can become more memorable to our customers.  Without us, how else would these people have accumulated a drawer full of fidget spinners?

Aside from the products and services provided to help customers meet their goals, how about internally?  Does humor in the workplace serve a purpose?

Let’s face it: there’s nothing funnier than statistics and research.  Studies have shown that hat leaders with any sense of humor…or any modicum of a fun personality… are perceived as 27% more motivating and appreciated than those who don’t joke around.  Their teams are 15% more engaged, and they are more than twice as likely to solve a creativity challenge…all of which can translate into improved performance.  Research has even shown that something as simple as adding a lighthearted line at the end of a sales presentation can increase customers’ willingness to pay by 18%. 

An example I’ve used was borrowed (“stolen” is such an ugly word) from the old “Newhart” TV show: I can’t remember the exact setting, but the three brothers who served as comedic foils (Larry, Darryl, and their other brother Darryl) had a business which offered a guarantee that said that, if they don’t achieve satisfaction, they’ll eat a bug.  Now who could pass up an offer like that?

I mentioned “motivation” before.  Let’s touch on that.  I once had a supervisor who was the antithesis of a motivator.  Humorless, by the book, all about the numbers.  His team would cringe when they knew they had to meet with him.  Those meetings were never about how to improve things, or even “how about them Mets”…they were nothing more than reminding you of your shortcomings and failures.  This was not the way to motivate a team…unless you’re looking to motivate them to leave (to that point: we did).

Conversely, I had another boss who was always engaging and easy with whom to work.  That’s not to say that he didn’t do “boss” things…but he didn’t have to remind us that he was in charge.  We knew it, respected him, and appreciated his not having to hold his title over our heads.  We worked for him…scratch that…we worked with him, because he made us comfortable with what we did.  Of course, his constant reminder that “the beatings will continue until morale improves” might have kept some of us in line.

I said “some”.

But why does humor work?  It has something to do with shared laughter bringing teams or partners together.  Gallup’s research shows that a great motivator is having a close friend at work with whom you can unwind and laugh.  That I work from home, alone aside from the dog, still makes me happy even though he rarely gets the joke.  I think he’s being polite.

Look…I don’t want to pressure anyone into thinking they have to be funny.  As a good friend once pointed out, humor in the wrong hands can be dangerous.  I don’t believe it was directed at me…at least that’s what I tell myself.

Some of the best comedians are “observational”.  You know, the ones who always seem to say “Hey…did you ever notice…”.  They see things that are so obvious and, in many cases, ridiculous.  It’s when you see something that’s part of your day-to-day put you put your own spin on it…that’s your chance to get a grin or a full-blown laugh.

Keep it clean, however.  Many’s the co-worker that has HR on speed-dial.

That doesn’t mean you can’t be clever.  I recently read about how Spanx founder and CEO Sara Blakely first approached the head buyer from Neiman Marcus.  She sent a shoe and handwritten note that said, “Trying to get my foot in the door; have minutes to chat?”.

Even if you’ve never watched the American version of The Office, it’s likely that you’re familiar with lead character Michael Scott, who was described on IMDB as “a harmlessly deluded and ignorantly insensitive boss” who “clearly lacks self-awareness”.  He thinks he’s the funniest guy in the room when, in fact, his comments and attempts at humor are often cringe-worthy and even racist.  In that the show was a satire, you couldn’t take the character seriously.  At least you shouldn’t have. 

As always, it boils down to knowing your audience.