Taking Humor Seriously

There’s an unfortunate belief among some in leadership that in order to be taken seriously one must be solemn, with an attitude that is positively all business all the time. Two Stanford professors, however, have set out to change that mindset.

Behavioral scientist Jennifer Aaker and corporate strategist Naomi Bagdonas have presented research and now teach a course at Stanford based on the power of humor in business. Specifically, how leadership can use humor to strengthen team bonds, problem solve, build resilience, and even inspire creativity.

Last year they were featured at a TED Conference in Monterey, where they outlined just how to harness the power of humor. Take a few minutes to be inspired, and channel your own inner stand-up comedian.

Lessons in Vulnerability

Brene Brown rocketed to business stardom with her TED Talk on vulnerability; specifically, that leadership without the ability and willingness to be authentic and candid about one’s self is rarely seen as leadership.  But, like everything else, there’s a right and wrong way for a leader to display vulnerability.

If you want to be effectively and authentically vulnerable as a leader, check out this conversation between Dr. Brown and Wharton Business School’s Adam Grant in which she offers an important nuance on leadership and vulnerability that may help you avoid crossing the line between “authenticity and self-absorption”.

With the simplicity and clarity that has made her TED Talk and books so popular, she shows us “How to be vulnerable at work without spilling everything, from Brine Brown.  Her six word formula for doing so is profound. If you’re like most people and need more Brene-inspired leadership knowledge, check out her podcast that debuted last fall, Dare to Lead.