Shirin Khamisa is a career coach with Toronto Careers by Design. She is quoted in the Edmonton Journal (May 1, 2010) as noting that humor “is sometimes underrated” in the workplace. She goes on to emphasize that laughter is a good way to build connections with people, create a contagious positive vibe. I agree. I love working with people who laugh and smile often.

So how does humor intersect with respect? Montreal career coach Cheryl Stein points out in the same article a simple rule of thumb for humor at work: “a joke isn’t a joke unless both people are laughing.”  She goes on to stress that its important gauge your audience and ask yourself first, whether the joke’s at someone’s expense. If it is, it’s obviously not funny and therefore not respectful.

I think it’s worth emphasizing the importance of humor and its essential fuel in acting with character. The benefit of the noting these guidelines is that humor and respect do go hand in hand. The scarcity people who make hurtful fun of others need direct coaching and guidance. People acting with character have the ability to get people laughing and seeing the humor in much of our daily life.

Combine joy and respect.

with Character,

Lorne