If you have to ask someone, Can’t you take a joke?, they probably can’t. But as a leader, you should be able to ask yourself the same question, and, without hesitation, answer yes, I can!
Comedy Central’s Jeff Ross, known for his in-your-face approach, says that humor shows that you are, in fact, thick-skinned and very accomplished in your field. A leader with confidence, self-assuredness, and humility knows how to find humor in her own idiosyncrasies, and yes, even her mistakes! Leaders who can take a joke, poke fun at themselves, or make light of a serious situation, have a much better and easier rapport with their colleagues and direct reports. And, in turn, they see better work-related results.

William Makepeace Thackeray said, People who do not know how to laugh are always pompous and self-conceited. If you’re a leader who can’t crack a smile, I guarantee this is how you’ll be perceived by your team.

You grow up when you have your first real laugh…at yourself. –Ethel Barrymore

Having a sense of humor, even in the workplace, is a sign of maturity, wisdom, and good character, as long as you aren’t doing a stand-up routine or making jokes of a crude or inappropriate nature. The key is being able to laugh at yourself, not to poke fun of others or try to entertain the crowd.

When leaders take themselves too seriously, their fears get the best of them, and they run the risk of becoming all-consumed with the perception of superiority and infallibility. As Katherine Mansfield, New Zealander writer says, When we begin to take our failures non-seriously, it means we are ceasing to be afraid of them. It is of immense importance to learn to laugh at ourselves.

A WOW leader is a well-rounded, confident, and secure individual who, in spite of having serious business know-how and savvy, reigns in her ego and doesn’t take herself too seriously.

–Sheri Staak