Previously I wrote about a horrible mistake leaders should avoid when engaging their team members. It described leaders who are constantly obsessed with work. These leaders are a complete drag to be around. This month I will identify another horrible mistake to avoid when talking with your team members – using way too much humor.
Joking around too much with your team is another mistake to avoid
Just like being all work and no fun is a mistake to avoid as a leader. The opposite is also true. Another horrible mistake some leaders make is joking around way too much with their teams. These leaders play games, send silly text messages, and promote MEME wars on the corporate collaboration platform all day long. They are constantly trying to get everyone to laugh and like them. If humor is not kept in check your office can turn into a playground rather than a place to get work done.
Your team members expect professional leaders, not comedians
If you are in charge, then act like it. Your team members expect professional behavior from their leaders. Don’t disappoint them by acting like an uncouth comedian. What does professional behavior look like? In simple terms, that means showing up on time, acting like an adult, and treating everyone with dignity and respect. The rest will vary depending on company culture. The bottom line is that you need to be the adult in the room. Avoid acting like a professional comedian.
Everybody does not have to like you
Some of you may be reading this blog wondering why in the world I am writing about this topic. The reason is that I have witnessed several leaders fall into this trap. Two scenarios trigger some leaders to make this mistake – they either want everyone to like them, or it is part of their personality. Let me address the first trigger. If you are an effective leader then face the reality that not everyone will like you. At some point in time, you will make a decision that rubs one or more of your team members or other stakeholders the wrong way. Avoid trying to make everyone happy about your decision by cracking jokes. They may laugh, but that does not mean they will change their mind about your decision.
Class clown leaders are all about humor
The second trigger is personality driven. Some people enjoy constantly cracking jokes. They love to make people laugh whenever possible. It is part of who they are. We use several titles for these comical characters – class clown, practical jokester, or amateur comedian. If you are a leader and fall into this category I recommend you use discretion with your humor. Something may be funny to you, while others may find your jokes inappropriate or poorly time. It is important to think about the situation you are in before unleashing your shenanigans on others.
Some scenarios at work are serious business – avoid all humor
Several situations at work are serious and should be handled appropriately. I would consider the three examples below as scenarios where you should avoid all humor. Don’t make a difficult conversation worse by cracking any jokes.
- Firing someone for poor performance – this scenario is generally awful for all involved. Getting fired is traumatic even for people who are expecting it.
- Laying off someone due to corporate restructuring – in this scenario the organization made a decision beyond your control and you have to let someone go. Once again, expect it to be traumatic for the people affected. No one wants to be laid off.
- Giving or receiving hard feedback – when things go poorly you may have to give or receive hard feedback. Some people call this tough love. In this scenario focus on the feedback only. Don’t deflect or detract from what is being said with any humor.
Three situations that are no-joke zones
I am not against the use of humor in the workplace. Humor can be an effective way to connect with your team members, build rapport with an audience, and create positive energy in a boring meeting. However, there are some situations that I consider to be “no-joke zones” that are listed below. I bet you can think of others.
- Meeting with senior leadership – it is best to avoid joking around with senior leaders. They may be informal with each other, but you are not their peer. Project a professional demeanor so that they recognize that you are serious about your role.
- Briefing an audience that does not know you – many people like to tell a joke during presentations. Using jokes is fine if you know the audience and they know you. If they do not I would skip the jokes to avoid any distractions from your content.
- Any legal or HR conversation – I definitely avoid telling jokes at any meeting that includes a lawyer or someone from HR. Someone may be offended by your joke and the last thing you want is legal or HR to witness your blunder firsthand.
These situations may seem like no-brainers. However, I cannot recall how many times I was in one of these scenarios and someone told a joke that did not land well. Things got awkward quickly. Some leaders paid the price for being too informal.
A final warning – humor can end it all
Speaking of paying the price – let me give a final warning. Nowadays it is easy to get fired in a flash. Tell the wrong kind of joke in any workplace setting and you will likely see the exit door sooner rather than later. Below are three easy examples.
- Making off-color remarks about race, gender, religion, sexual preference, etc.
- Getting a laugh at one of your team member’s expense.
- Telling a dirty or completely inappropriate joke.
When in doubt, don’t tell the joke. Do not be stupid when it comes to humor in the workplace. It will not end well.
One caveat – a little humor now and then is fine
Having said all that, it is perfectly fine to tell a joke now and then. In fact, it is appropriate to cut up with your team members once in a while. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I like to have fun at work. As I wrote about in the last blog – all work and no play make for dull days and low morale. Work hard and have fun.
People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing.
Dale Carnegie
ATW! is designed to make you a better leader
I hope you join me on this journey to raise the next generation of leaders. The world is in desperate need of more great leaders. Women and men who lead with confidence, clarity, and creativity. It’s time to become the leader that your world needs. Let’s go All The Way!
