Leaders could learn a thing or two about the use of humor from former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. In a room full of intelligence operatives, Ronald Reagan once suggested he knew the room was bugged because every time he sneezed, the chandelier said, “Gesundheit!” He delighted in delivering one-liners.
Any suggestions on types of humor to use in the modern workplace, where there are many dangerous humor territories to avoid, how do we find the right and acceptable one-liner
Know where the cultural third rails are in your office culture - which of course will vary - and don’t touch them.
The elements that make something humorous is usually some combination of conflict, surprise, and good timing. You can get there without wading into doubtful subject areas.
Yes, even having a reputation as someone who tells moaners at least gives you room to operate with the context that you are attempting to make a joke, attempting to alleviate tension.
Any suggestions on types of humor to use in the modern workplace, where there are many dangerous humor territories to avoid, how do we find the right and acceptable one-liner
Know where the cultural third rails are in your office culture - which of course will vary - and don’t touch them.
The elements that make something humorous is usually some combination of conflict, surprise, and good timing. You can get there without wading into doubtful subject areas.
I have been in a room or two where jokes fall flat simply because the context of "I'm attempting to be funny here" was completely lost on the crowd.
I'd think it would be a little dangerous to suddenly start trying out humor for effect in public.
This works very well if your reputation around humor precedes you into a room.
I imagine Reagan probably developed a rapport with groups where they were anticipating that jokes and one-liners would be coming.
Yes, even having a reputation as someone who tells moaners at least gives you room to operate with the context that you are attempting to make a joke, attempting to alleviate tension.