INTHEBLACK May 2022 - Magazine - Page 47
Above: Authors Naomi Bagdonas (left) and Dr Jennifer Aaker
“When we live our lives on the precipice of a
smile, we shift how we interact with the world
and, in turn, how it interacts back.”
CHALLENGE YOUR SELF-VIEW
What holds many of us back from using humour
at work is the belief that we are not naturally
funny or quick-witted.
Cameron-Sweeney says people wrongly tend
to equate workplace humour with the on-stage
performance of a stand-up comedian.
“When you’re using comedy in the workplace,
you’re not necessarily going for the full belly
laugh,” he says.
“Even small chuckles are enough to build
rapport and for others to associate you with
having a good time.”
Another hesitation comes from not knowing
how to weave humour into work settings without
seeming inappropriate or contrived.
Cameron-Sweeney suggests incorporating
entertaining stories from your personal life into
presentations, meetings and other work occasions.
Talk about your weekend and anything new.
“I always make a point to pick out if a guy has
had a haircut,” he says. “People don’t pay blokes as
many compliments about their appearance
as women, and I think that’s why it’s a bit
more jovial.”
In some group settings, joking doesn’t feel
appropriate. In such situations, focus your
humour one-on-one, he suggests.
When in doubt, he says the safe zone is selfdepreciating humour, because “it’s not attacking
anybody – it’s making fun of yourself ”.
If you genuinely struggle with seeing the funny
side of life, objects like funny mugs at your desk
or cartoons can still associate you with humour,
he says.
“That’s a conversation starter and gets a laugh
that will build rapport and break the tension.”
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Humour can be a double-edged sword, which
can easily cross over into sarcasm, mockery and
other types of aggression that can backfire, harm
relationships and offend and isolate others.
To avoid destructive outcomes, “start by
recognising it’s not about you”, Aaker says.
“Ask, ‘How will this make other people feel?’,
which means never punching down – that is,
making fun of someone of lower status.
intheblack.cpaaustralia.com.au May 2022 47