YES: Humor is Profitable!

One of my colleagues remarked recently that humor is difficult to "sell".  I have yet to meet anyone who says that humor is not important, but what does it take for companies to "buy" training in humor development? Are skills like creativity and humor even on the radar of Human Resource Departments or have they ever flickered across the minds of company executives?

Creativity is the ability of the brain to bring together diverse ideas that will generate the thinking necessary for complex problem solving. Humor and creativity are great companions, each a perfect complement for the other in nourishing thinking. Risk-taking is the nucleus of creativity and of humor; the freedom to express wild ideas activates spirited conversation and sparks the imagination. Creativity and positivity flourish when accompanied by a sense of humor.

Forward thinking executives realize that the old solutions don't work any more. It takes creativity and practice to be able to change thinking and increase productivity.  Exploring the benefits of creative thinking has reaped big benefits for companies like Google.  Google has unorthodox “rules” for employee behavior.  Their web site states that employees can create their office environment by showcasing team interests and personality.  Bikes are often used for efficient travel between meetings.  It is not unusual to see dogs, lava lamps and massage chairs in office spaces.  There are volleyball courts, pianos, ping-pong tables and pool tables.  Healthy lunches are served in the café with snacks and drinks in the break rooms.  This is not your typical workplace, but it sure sounds like a fun place to work.  One reason Google has been so successful is because of their emphasis on creativity and fun. 

Humor increases the potential for divergent thinking and the capacity for solving complex problems. By linking diverse areas of the brain, humor forges new neural connections  involving previously existing concepts. Voila: creativity flourishes. This means that it is essential to encourage the employees in your organization "think outside the box,"  Humor is a viable way to do this!

Excerpts in this blog are taken from my new book, Using Humor to Maximize Living.