The Power of Humour in Leadership and Life
In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we often find ourselves in serious conversations about productivity, effectiveness and impact. While these discussions are undoubtedly vital, there’s one essential ingredient that can often feel like an afterthought: laughter. Yet it has the incredible power to connect us and lift our spirits. In fact, laughter is an underrated powerhouse that can transform how we lead, connect and live. As leaders, when we embrace laughter, we’re not only enriching our lives but actively building team resilience, deepening connections and cultivating joy in our workplaces and communities.
Disclaimer: I am a serious A-type personality. Most of you know that already and can probably imagine that this is not an easy one for me. When I am speaking or facilitating, I somehow always find situational humour to bring laughter, light and energy. But, in my day-to-day with myself, I can be pretty serious. So, I am writing this for me as much as you…
WHY does it matter so much?
- Laughter gives us a leadership edge.Laughter has a profound impact on our brain chemistry. When we laugh, our brains release endorphins—our body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This reduces stress, lowers blood pressure and can even alleviate pain. But more than that, endorphins build resilience, enhancing our ability to tackle challenges and setbacks with a clearer, more optimistic mindset. Leaders who laugh bring this resilience into their teams and can respond with flexibility, optimism, and creativity—qualities that laughter nurtures in the brain. The power of a good laugh isn’t just about stress relief; it primes us for a mindset shift that can turn setbacks into stepping stones. At this time of year, we need laughing leaders more than ever. (PS: I’m not talking nervous laughter and laughing in a way that fobs something serious off – that is counterproductive of course).
- Laughter is a bridge to deeper connection.Laughter breaks down barriers in ways words often cannot. When we laugh with others, we create an unspoken bond that fosters trust, openness and vulnerability. I know his works because I use it when facilitating and feel the difference. In a leadership context, these are essential qualities for building strong, connected teams. Sharing a laugh shows that we are human—it reminds others that we’re all navigating life with its ups and downs, joys and challenges. As Brené Brown says, “People are hard to hate close up. Move in.” Laughter brings us closer; it builds bridges to deeper connection.
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HOW can you take Key Steps and THRIVE?
- Call on your courage and get out of your comfort zone.For many leaders, embracing laughter requires courage. It may feel like letting go of control or showing up “less professional.” I’ll be honest, I worried about that at first in my professional settings. But lightening up was actually the key to my most authentic leadership. Laughter helps us unlock parts of ourselves and others that seriousness alone could never reach. Authentic leadership thrives when we show up as our holistic selves—sometimes serious, sometimes vulnerable and sometimes ready to laugh at the absurdity of life. By modelling this balance, we give others permission to do the same, creating a culture where authenticity, joy and vulnerability are welcomed.
- Create spaces where laughter thrives.Laughter doesn’t have to be confined to lunch breaks or off-site team-building events. As leaders, we can create spaces where humour, joy and spontaneity are woven into the fabric of our every day. This could look like a light-hearted icebreaker at the start of a meeting, a team ritual that celebrates successes with humour or even simply inviting a spirit of playfulness into the day-to-day interactions we have with colleagues. When I’m leading workshops or delivering a keynote, I find this quite easy to do. I find it harder at home. I wonder if you can relate? I’m so grateful that Mila likes to play practical jokes, so we are guaranteed a laugh every day. I’ve also started looking for some light-hearted series to bring lighter energy and fun. Recommendations are welcome 😉. What I am working on is laughing at myself more.
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When we champion a culture of laughter, we’re fostering resilience, reducing stress and building lives where we value well-being as much as performance (and when we are happy we actually perform better). In the words of Victor Borge, “Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.” Let’s reconnect with the human side of success. Whether it’s a shared joke with a colleague, a funny video or even laughing at yourself when things don’t go quite as planned. I challenge us all to laugh (not stress) our way forward into the festive season and take Key Steps to…
‘be the difference that makes the difference.’
