Knock, knock. Who’s there?
Drew Tarvin, the world’s first “Humor Engineer” and the instructor of Find Your Funny, an Optimism Library class designed to help professionals unlock the benefits of humor in the workplace. Tarvin, who has worked with organizations like Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and even the FBI, believes that humor is just as important to a leader’s toolkit as strategy, vision, and problem solving.
“Humor is more than just a way to break the ice,” he says. “It can help leaders connect with their teams, reduce stress, and boost morale. It’s an underutilized superpower, and we have some advice from an expert on how to unlock it.”
In his class, Tarvin shares his experiences working with a group of FBI agents. “They wanted to learn if humor could make them more effective in their jobs,” he explains. “Humor helps build rapport, reduce status differentials, and ultimately makes work a bit more human.”
If the FBI can find applications for humor, it’s safe to say you can too.
Wait—Joking Around at Work Works?
Believe it or not, research backs up the benefits of humor in leadership. A study found that 91% of executives believe humor is crucial for career advancement, and employees who work under leaders who use humor are more engaged and productive. Humor creates a more positive atmosphere, fosters creativity, and can even prevent burnout.
As Tarvin points out, “Humor reduces stress and helps people find joy at work.”
But it doesn’t stop there. Humor can make you more approachable. “People who use humor seem more relaxed and easy to connect with,” says Tarvin. It’s not about being the funniest person in the room; it’s about being relatable and creating a work environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas. Teams that laugh together are more likely to collaborate effectively, and it’s even been found that humor at work can reduce stress and boost job satisfaction by 33%.
3 Actionable Tips for Using Humor in Leadership
Drew doesn’t just talk about the importance of humor—he offers practical advice on how leaders can use it effectively. Here are three tips from Find Your Funny to help you get started:
1. Aim for Smiles, Not Laughs
You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian to introduce humor at work. Start by adding humor in low-stakes situations—like lightening up the start of a meeting with a witty remark or sharing a funny observation. As Tarvin puts it, “You don’t need to aim for laughs every time. Aim for smiles.”
Whether it be starting off your meeting with a cheesy dad joke or even just referencing your favorite pop culture meme, find some way to bring your own favorite brand of levity to your workday. Odds are, someone else will acknowledge it and maybe even appreciate it. Just make sure it’s not taking over everything you say–If you’re aiming for big laughs, it’s safe to say that you’re trying too hard.
2. Use Self-Deprecating Humor
Leaders can build trust and relatability by poking fun at themselves. Bad at tech? Admit it. Did something slightly embarrassing happen to you over the weekend? Tell it to your team as a story to break the ice. Humility and good humor go hand in hand.
“Self-deprecating humor shows vulnerability and humility,” says Tarvin. It reminds your team that you’re human too. Just make sure it’s light-hearted and not too critical of yourself—it’s about balance.
3. Know Your Audience
Humor is subjective, so what’s funny to one person might not land with another. “Read the room,” advises Tarvin. Before using humor, consider the culture, context, and people around you. Be mindful to keep it inclusive and avoid any humor that could be misinterpreted or offensive.
And if you’re not sure what the team will find funny? Start a slack channel or group chat at work for sending memes and funny videos. You’ll not only get a better gauge of what your team enjoys in regards to comedy, you’ll also create a space for further bonding and community culture building.
So next time you’re facing a tense meeting or a challenging project, ask yourself: how can humor be part of the solution? It could be the secret to unlocking not just a better work culture, but a more enjoyable path to success.
For more, check out The Optimism Library.
