A new survey posted in Canadian Business reports that most employees value a boss with a good sense of humor; 65% in fact.
I'm inclined to agree. But then again, I like funny. Funny is usually a much better time than sad or angry for example. 87% of the individuals surveyed said that their boss does have a sense of humor, so it would seem that bosses are on board with my funny theory.
The article also states that while funny is useful and can win over employees by making one seem approachable it can go too far. Bosses need to keep it light but still manage to achieve goals and keep it professional.
It's a fine line. I've had really funny bosses who border on too much sarcasm. Personally, I like sarcasm. But also personally I don't tend to take crap from people, so a too sarcastic boss will get it right back from me.
The downside is that honestly the whole sarcasm parade at the office is not that professional. Also, I've seen meeker individuals than I, made to feel really bad or insecure because a boss crossed the funny line.
The final word; be tastefully funny at the office but jokes should never be at the expense of others and never at moments that should be kept serious (lay-offs for example). I'd also go so far as to say that if a co-worker seems unresponsive or appears to dislike funny; don't try to joke with that co-worker. Remember only 65% valued funny; that's an entire 35% who don't.
Has a boss ever made you feel bad by crossing a funny line or have your bosses had a good funny-serious balance?
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I tend to like funny; I think I like a little sarcasm even more. Some of my bosses have been really funny or sarcastic, others have been entirely too serious - so much so that when they were on shift, it made the mood at work heavy and stressful. So far no one has crossed my line but I have a high threshold for a good sense of humor. I've also been lucky enough to work with people who also value funny and are not easily offended.
Posted by: Kimberlee Morrison | August 15, 2007 9:08 AM | Permalink to Comment