At VIM Executive Coaching we have met some executive leaders who were genuinely funny people. In fact, some had even had prior careers in some aspect of comedy prior to joining the corporate world.
These folks, as with jazz artists, are able to go off script and just about “riff” off of any set script. Yes, it can be hilarious. People are drawn to executives with a good sense of humor. They can make delightful dining companions or be real jokesters at the company picnic or team building exercises. But…
Are They Effective?
We well remember the tagline that said: “Laughter is the best medicine.” Certainly, it can be. When things around the office seem bleak, a bit of levity can soften the mood. The problem is that like any medicine, too much can be a bad thing.
However, office comedians are not necessarily leaders. Sometimes humor or attempts at humor have the opposite effect in easing a situation. In fact, we once knew one of an executive leader “comedian” leadership types who was erratic, not very insightful and was the furthest thing one could wish for when the work situation called for compassion and mindfulness.
While no one necessarily wants to be around a sour personality on a daily basis, far too often we confuse “the appearance” or facade with effectiveness or ability to lead.
Being mindful, developing compassion, honing leadership skills may not necessarily be exercises dripping with humor, but in the long run, those tools are much more useful than telling jokes at the annual meeting.
The funny guy may momentarily ease the tension in the room, but that does not mean his or her skills in making people laugh will comfort a serious personnel issue or improve active listening skills.
Humor as Authenticity?
In truth, humor is not automatically a function of authenticity. When a serious situation requires a leader, who is nurturing or compassionate, humor may be inappropriate if not downright disrespectful. An executive who reacts to a serious situation with humor, instead of responding with a centered response may exacerbate rather than ease the problem.
Being mindful of the situation, of understanding the pain or the concerns; the fears or the conflicts of others, is much more valuable than sloughing off the crisis with an inappropriate one-liner.
Truthfully, some executive leaders often used humor to cover their own fears, lack of confidence or even embarrassment of the situation placed in front of them. After mindfulness training and serious attempts to become more authentic and compassionate, formerly funny guys still retained a humorous personality, but they were far more willing to listen and respond.
Having a sense of humor is a good thing but it is just an aspect of a personality and should not define a leadership style. When the stage lights are turned off, the funny person must understand that life can also be serious. How we authentically respond to a situation in the serious moments will far outlast a hilarious one-liner at a company outing.
While VIM Executive Coaching always enjoys a good (appropriate) joke, we treasure the mindful and authentic person who has made an effort to cultivate compassion.