Hi again. I’m Lenny Ravich, the author of the bestselling book, “Everlasting Optimism” and an entertaining keynote speaker in London.

In July I hope to celebrate my 87th birthday and have concluded that I have a great future behind me. 

The Benefits of Humor in Business and Leadership

Why should we all strive to add humor to our business management and leadership? First, people are more likely to listen to your words if they are entertaining and informative. Humor is the most unassuming, the least expensive, the most under-utilized tool in business, while being the most widespread, and the most shared denominator to multitudes of persons. And it’s sugarless and fat-free!

I would never dare appear at a team meeting or any assembly and not use humor. I dislike looking out into a crowd and seeing blank expressions. I know that humor is enjoyable, and I adore spotting people having a good time. When I see folks having fun, nodding their heads and smiling, I know I am getting my point across. Except for the ones who are angry that I don’t take most matters seriously enough.

As an English teacher in high school, I found it difficult to continue my lessons without the kids breaking up with laughter. It enabled me know they were listening, loving, and learning. Their parents adored me because their children did, and as a result, valued education more. For trades people, promotional and marketing people, humor is the central skill in attaining triumph. Unless your boss is manic depressive. Then, Watch out!

Fun Sells

 Observe advertisements on TV and YouTube. Witness how humor is used in almost every case to grab the public’s attention and keep it. Whenever I appear in front of a large group, and only one or two people are laughing, I say, “Would the two of you run around the room while you are laughing, so it sounds like a crowd?”    

Fun sells. Ask people what makes them laugh. They love to tell you, and they smile as they are doing it. People remember things through associations, and anybody who has a conversation, a sales pitch, a lesson, or at a get-together, will always have a story to tell. Especially the one I voice about how I got arrested for over-aged drinking.

People will remember what you are saying since they associate the point with the experience. Humor is an experience. Humor has power. It’s natural and cheap. It builds professional relationships. Be funny—make money. So why am I so broke most of the time?

Fun at Work

If you look at the people who are making it in today’s business climate, they are playful and having fun. Humor is likely to be a part of their work style and corporate culture. Recent studies show that a sense of humor is the most dependable characteristic among executives supported in major companies; and those leaders who show a sense of humor advance quicker and further. Until, of course, they decide to quit their jobs to become stand up comedians.

People who laugh with you will never forget you.  Humor is the great shared grease. People will want to do business with you because you are fun. If you can process the influence of humor, you will be loved, valued, listened to, and reminisced. But not so with your school educators who suffered your antics.

FEAR

Why is it that people know the power of humor and fun, but it’s still not used to its full benefit? Fear! There is the dread that we might not be taken seriously. (Boy, do I know that one!) I’ve had people in my workshops tell me that if they were to apply my suggestions, they would be laughing all the way to the unemployment office, or if not, at least to an isolated accommodation.  

Of course, there are some people who are put off by the light-hearted. I once had a colleague at work complain to me, “I can’t pin you down. I don’t know when your joking and when you’re being serious. “I’m both, Esther. Seek help,” was my curt reply. (We’re still friends. Take it easy). 

I offer you this creepy advice to dive in to the world of funny: 

1. Take risks. Don’t play it safe. Do something scary every day.
2. Make mistakes. Don’t try to avoid them.
3. Take initiative. Don’t wait for instructions.
4. Stay calm.
5. Smile and laugh a lot.
6. Have fun.
7. “Stay Foolish”.

I would love to hear from you and your experiences using the tips I have laid out. Keep in touch.

If you would like to book an entertaining, London inspirational speaker for your next affair, or would prefer private sessions please contact: www.lennyravich.org