The Performance Pro

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Motivate Your Team With Humor


Transcending global barriers, laughter is a universal language all understand. With the slight variations of a ha, ha, tee hee, or ho, ho, we all do it the same. Laughter has no accent. It is the one common denominator we all share.  No wonder organizations are integrating humor in their workplace. No wonder so many of our program attendees are so appreciative of our humor skills labs.   Humor reaps huge benefits. With other factors being in order, the use of appropriate humor is a crucial tool to motivate teams to soar.  In the book, A Mirthful Spirit, my colleage Edna Thayer,
illustrates this acronym for the important role that laughter plays in productivity. 

P
Polishes the company’s image
R
Relieves tensions
O
Optimizes team morale
D
Decreases resistance to change
U
Unleashes creativity
C
Cuts absenteeism and costs
T
Tames conflicts
I
Increases effectiveness
V
Vitalizes communication
I
Increases Cohesiveness
T
Triggers self-confidence
Y
Yields Profits

Humor is not necessarily a trick or a joke.
Humor is a presence in the world—like grace—and shines on everybody.

Garrison Keillor