“There isn’t a single area of business that I can think of
where the working relationship isn’t improved with good humour.”
Paul Boross, Humourology Pg 14
Humour has an incredible ability to connect people, break down barriers, and create memorable experiences. It is no wonder that fun, funny, and humorous people often excel in both business and life. The fascinating field of Humourology delves into the research that supports why being funny, fun, and humorous can lead to greater success in various aspects of life.
Building Rapport and Relationships
Our Guest, my old partner in comedy, Ainsley Harriott said it best:
“Humour… that’s how you unite people.”
Humour is a universal language that transcends cultural, linguistic, and social barriers. When individuals use humour effectively, they can establish rapport and build stronger relationships. Humour can act as the glue that keeps people together through stress, struggles, and even vast cultural divides. Funny people have a natural ability to put others at ease, create positive emotions, and foster a sense of camaraderie. These qualities are invaluable in business settings where trust and relationship-building are key.
Memorable Branding and Marketing
In the business world, standing out from the competition is crucial. Incorporating humour into branding and marketing strategies can significantly enhance a company’s visibility and memorability. Funny advertisements, clever slogans, and witty social media campaigns not only capture attention but also leave a lasting impression on consumers. By associating positive emotions with a brand, funny marketing efforts can lead to increased brand recognition and customer loyalty. Rick Wilson, political and media consultant and founder of The Lincoln Project, says,
“We had to do things that had inherent humour and virality to them. And the virality, it could come from either being funny and witty, and cutting and weird, or it could come from being emotionally resonant and powerful.”
From a marketing point of view, it doesn’t really matter why we remember something, it only matters that we do remember it, and that we remember it the next time we’re buying.
Creativity and Problem-Solving
“When people laugh they can have new ideas.” – The Dalai Llama
Humour and creativity are closely intertwined. Funny people often possess a unique perspective on life, allowing them to think outside the box and approach challenges in innovative ways. Studies have shown that humour boosts cognitive flexibility, which enhances problem-solving skills and encourages more creative solutions. In business, this ability to think creatively can lead to breakthrough ideas, improved productivity, and a competitive edge. As Lord William Hague said to me on the podcast,
“Humour has a big role in giving people perspective and allowing them to bond together. It’s got a very big role in creativity.”
Effective Communication and Leadership
Humour plays a vital role in effective communication and leadership. When you get people laughing, it becomes easier to help them learn and to lead. Funny individuals are skilled at capturing and maintaining attention, making complex information more relatable and understandable.
Humour can diffuse tense situations, reduce stress, and create a more positive work environment. Leaders who inject humour into their interactions can motivate and inspire their teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie and improving employee satisfaction and productivity.
Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
Funny people often possess high emotional intelligence, enabling them to gauge the emotions of others and adapt their humour accordingly. This skill is essential in building strong interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts. Moreover, a well-developed sense of humour can help individuals cope with stress, setbacks, and challenges. The ability to find the silver lining and maintain a positive outlook enhances resilience and supports mental well-being.
Viktor Frankl, has said that a sense of humour is the key characteristic to resilient survival of traumatic events. In his writing on survival in concentration camps under the Nazi regime, he says,
“Humour was another of the soul’s weapons in the fight for self-preservation. It is well-known that humour, more than anything else in the human makeup, can afford an aloofness and an ability to rise above any situation, even if only for a few seconds.”
The art and science of Humourology teaches us that being funny, fun, and humourous can be a powerful asset in both business and life. From building rapport and relationships to enhancing branding and marketing efforts, humour has the potential to open doors and create opportunities. Additionally, funny people often exhibit creativity, effective communication skills, emotional intelligence, and resilience—traits that are highly sought after in today’s fast-paced and competitive world. So, whether you’re looking to excel in business or simply live a more fulfilling life, embracing humour and its transformative power can be the key to success.
Remember, laughter is not only the best medicine, but it can also be the catalyst for personal and professional growth. Embrace your sense of humour, use it wisely, and watch as it paves the way for a brighter, more successful future. Funny truly equals money, in more ways than one!
If you want to learn more about how laughter can help you lead a more successful business and life, join us on The Humourology Podcast or check out The Humourology Book, recently released in paperback!
See you next Tuesday.
Warmest,
Paul x
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