Most advice to improve your leadership skills involves complex behavioral changes that many people do not have the time, energy, or courage to implement. So I have an easy way for you to become a more effective leader: start making fun of yourself!
In a study conducted by the Bell Leadership Institute in Chapel Hill, when employees were asked to describe the strengths of their senior colleagues, “sense of humor” was mentioned twice as much as any other trait. The research found that the most effective leaders used humor to spark their followers’ enthusiasm, deliver honest messages in an easy to accept way, put their employees at ease, and see the light side in difficult situations. Similarly, research by the executive recruitment firm Robert Half International concluded that 90% of employed professionals believe that humor is important for career advancement, with 84% of them agreeing that people with a good sense of humor are better employees.
The most effective type of humor for leaders is self-deprecating humor. Leaders who use this kind of humor are rated as being more attentive and sensitive to their followers’ individual needs and skills, an important aspect of humility. Stan Hupfeld, the retired CEO of INTEGRIS, the largest health system in Oklahoma, told me once: “the ultimate act of humility is to not take yourself too seriously in a very serious business; self-deprecating humor is a way to endear the leaders to their staff.”
This is in line with evidence from other studies showing that leaders who use self-deprecating humor are willing to make themselves potentially vulnerable by identifying their weaknesses to others. In that sense, humor can help the leader be seen as closer or at the same level as her followers. Leaders that can laugh at themselves are perceived as more likable than those who take themselves too seriously, which can benefit their relationships with their followers. Moreover, self-deprecating humor is positively correlated with the ability to persuade others, which is important for leaders trying to get their followers to implement major initiatives.
Dwight Eisenhower is reported to have said: “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” So take Ike’s advice, loosen up a bit, and use self-deprecating humor to your advantage. For instance, next time you are introducing a new team member to your group, you can end your little speech by saying something like: “I am glad Sue has taken this job despite knowing all about me!”
Putting it All Together
Become more comfortable with the idea of laughing at yourself, and allowing others to join you. You may be surprised how this will help you come across as more vulnerable, more likable, and more humble, and how it will boost your leadership effectiveness.
This article is adapted from my book “Intangibles: The Unexpected Traits of High-Performing Healthcare Leaders”.
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Dr. Amer Kaissi is a Professional Speaker, Executive Coach and an expert on Leadership, Humility & Ambition, Assuming Positive Intent, Psychological Safety & Accountability, Growth Mindsets & Resilience.
