Have you ever been in a tense meeting or faced a high-stakes situation where everything felt heavy? (The advertising/PR business brought that to our team nearly every day.) But just then someone cracks a perfectly-timed quip, and suddenly, the air feels lighter, solutions come easier, and the collective mood lifts?
That’s the power of humor, and it’s not just for laughs. A well-developed sense of humor can be your secret weapon in making smarter decisions, both in life and in your career. Here’s why.
1. Humor Lowers Stress and Sharpens Perspective
Stress has a funny way of shrinking our world. When we’re overwhelmed, our thinking narrows, and it’s harder to see the big picture. Humor, on the other hand, acts like a reset button. It helps us step back and reassess situations with fresh eyes.
I’ve often noticed this in my work with public relations teams. PR is a fast-paced world, full of shifting deadlines and high-pressure moments. But when someone breaks the ice with humor, the stress dissipates, and the team can refocus on what really matters. Have you noticed how laughing at a problem—even briefly—makes it feel less imposing? In fact, once during a very depressing day, I brought my entire team into the conference room to listen to 30 minutes of comedian Brian Reagan. After that laugh fest, we felt like we could conquer anything. No problem.
Humor didn’t solve the issue, but it certainly clears the mental fog so we can tackle it with clarity.
2. It Encourages Creative Thinking
When was the last time you had a truly original idea while you were stressed out or stuck in routine thinking? Probably never. Humor boosts creativity by pushing us to think outside the box. A good laugh releases psychological tension and opens doors to unconventional solutions.
3. Humor Strengthens Relationships and Builds Trust
Making confident decisions often involves collaboration. If you’re leading a team or negotiating with a client, trust and rapport are non-negotiable. Humor can help you build those connections faster than almost anything else. Why? Because it humanizes us. It shows empathy, relatability, and even vulnerability.
When I counsel PR clients, it’s always obvious which leaders use humor effectively. In fact, my Southwest Airlines client was a master at this. They don’t just inspire confidence; they make people feel at ease. From that come some of the best solutions to challenges.
No doubt, when the mood is brighter and approachable, employees, stakeholders, and customers alike are more likely to open up, share ideas, or buy into decisions. It’s a simple approach, but the results are extraordinary.
4. Humor Improves Decision-Making Under Pressure
Pressure is unavoidable in both life and business. But decisions made under pressure are better when we don’t take ourselves too seriously. Good humor has a way of reminding us that failure isn’t the end of the world. More often than not, it’s just a stepping stone to success.
Think about it this way: isn’t it easier to approach a daunting challenge when you’re in a positive, relaxed state of mind? A genuinely funny moment in a crisis can give us the mental break we need to avoid impulsive reactions and make reasoned choices instead. Next time the stakes are high, try smiling before making your next move. Odds are your mind will follow suit and great ideas will flow.
5. It’s Contagious—in All the Right Ways
Perhaps one of humor’s greatest strengths is its ability to spread. A single laugh can transform the tone of a meeting, energize a room and set the stage for productive discussion. And when positivity is contagious, so is confidence. Once you’ve bonded through humor, collaboration feels more natural, and decision-making becomes a shared, human experience rather than a lonely task.
Have you thought about how this plays out in your own life or career? Is there a team dynamic that could benefit from a little levity? Reflecting on moments where humor worked wonders might surprise you.
Humor is More than Fun—It’s a Strategy
At its core, good humor isn’t just about delivering punchlines; it’s about creating space for better thinking, deeper connections and more sound decisions. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges or guiding clients through complex projects, humor can transform the way you approach problems.
I love Marjorie Pay Hinckley’s quote: “The only way to get through life is to laugh your way through it. You either have to laugh or cry. I prefer to laugh. Crying gives me a headache.”
Laughing your way through it may not be the goal, but it’s worth asking yourself, are you using humor enough? If not, give it a try. Experiment with adding a touch of wit or lightheartedness to your daily interactions. You may find that not only does it improve your mood, but it also sharpens your ability to tackle the tricky decisions that come your way. After all, laughter isn’t just good medicine; it’s also great strategy.
#leadershipmatters #humoratwork #smartdecisions
