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Maximize Performance Through Humor

by Audrey Pihulyk

Does humor really play an important role in the workplace? That question can be answered in the affirmative. Research shows that with the increased pressure and changes occurring in the workplace, humour helps keep things sane and on the level. Added to this is that playfulness and humor in the workplace are among the primary contributors to increased creativity, productivity, and overall harmony among colleagues and management. These have a way of helping to diffuse challenging situations and provide a much-needed mental shift.

Playfulness is the essence of humor, but unfortunately this skill tends to diminish as we mature. To define playfulness, let us consider the example of walking on a sidewalk. Simply walking on the sidewalk is not playfulness, but when we try not to step on the cracks, that is playfulness. We as adults, with our structured, stress-riddled lives give too little credence to the value of humor and playfulness.

According to a survey conducted by the International Research Associates and the Roper Organization, a group of Americans were asked to rank the ten most important things affecting their lives. They listed family life, health, quality of life, and a few other qualities before occupation, which they listed eighth. Interestingly, the Japanese listed occupation second in importance. It is no wonder that in another survey conducted in 1991, ninety percent of the working Japanese surveyed said that they were stressed, and twenty-five percent feared "karoshi," meaning death from overwork.

Humour and a feeling of camaraderie in the office helps to foster an atmosphere of harmony and cooperation among workers. Think for a moment of a colleague or manager you most enjoy working with. Chances are that humor is one of their outstanding attributes. Companies are beginning to realize that when hiring new employees, a sense of humor is one of the essential qualities. In a particular case, Southwestern Airlines places an important emphasis on the quality of humour in the individual when hiring flight attendants.

The role of manager can be a challenging one when dealing with upper management, various types of employees, and company policies. The mirthful manager – one who leads with humor, has an open door policy, encourages communication and understands the merit of humor – is much valued as a leader. On the other hand, the authoritarian manager leads from the need of power and exhibits mental rigidity, refusing to accept personal imperfections, leaving little room for the warmth and the joy that humor brings. The paradigm of the mirthful manager is becoming more widely accepted today, with even the Fortune magazine calling it "the new post-heroic leadership."

After a decade of presenting humor to businesses, Metcalf, in his book, Lighten Up, encapsulates this entire subject with this profound statement, "I’ve become convinced that in a global economy characterized by ever accelerating change, the failure to nourish and encourage lightness in the workplace not only undermines productivity, creativity, adaptability, and morale – it literally “drives people crazy."

Nurse Audrey is the “Stress Strategist,” who brings to your audience cutting-edge strategies and thought-provoking ideas, always with a touch of humour. Her motivating keynote and interactive breakouts are described as inspiring and energizing.

Her book: I Really Gotta Quit! Break Free from Eating Disorders & Other Addictions, together with her audio programs are available through her website. To order product, or to book Audrey to speak at your next meeting, email her at: audrey@possibilitiesnetwork.com, or contact her through her web site: www.possibilitiesnetwork.com , or call 1-866-484-2197

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