Have you ever worked for someone who did not have a sense of humor? I certainly have. It’s vitally important that a leader has a sense of humor. I love what Dwight Eisenhower said, “A sense of humor is a part of the art of leadership.”
Several years ago, I stopped in the office of a particular CEO to make an appointment. This particular CEO was known for not really making a connection with his employees, not making eye contact with people, and not having a sense of humor. His people skills were 2 on a scale of 1-10. Let’s just say he would not win the Mr. Congeniality award.
On this particular day when I went in to set up an appointment with him, he did something which totally shocked me. He came out of his office wearing a chicken hat. Yes, a chicken hat! I’m thinking, is this the same Mr. CEO that I know?
Anyway, he walked out of his office and into another office. Before he shut the door, I said “Let me take your picture.” Well, of course, he said no, and then he shut the door. But I wanted so much to go knock on Mr. CEO’s door and tell him, “If you walk through your organization with that chicken hat on, you will make an amazing connection with your staff.” When you have a sense of humor among your employees, you are showing them that you are human, just like them. When you allow staff to laugh, you help them reduce stress as they will smile, laugh, and relax.
I also love what Bob Ross said, “A leader without a sense of humor is like a lawn mower in a cemetery; you have a lot of people underneath you, but nobody is paying any attention.”
I’m not saying everyone needs to go out and buy a chicken hat, but what I’m saying is this: Do something to make a connection with your employees by sharing a sense of humor. They will respect you and appreciate you.
Watch the YouTube Video: Leaders Without a Sense of Humor at https://youtu.be/Z5YMUciElVY
Desi
Motivational Speaker
Stress Management Coach
"The Attitude Adjuster"