NO LAUGHING MATTER?

"Humor is a serious thing. I like to think of it as one of our greatest earliest natural resources, which must be preserved at all cost."

James Thurber, 20th century American author

There is something funny in just about everything and finding what that is is good for you.

YOU SHOULD BE LAUGHING AT YOU

"This morning, when I put on my underwear, I could hear the fruit-of-the-loom guys laughing at me."

Rodney Dangerfield, 20th century American comedian

The ability to see and laugh at our own shortcomings is critical to success.

How funny are you?

What Am I Laughing At?

"Levity is often less foolish and gravity less wise than each of them appears."

Charles Caleb Colton

18th century British clergyman

Jokes about the company you work for can serve two purposes.

They can make you laugh and they can point you towards what needs to change.

It's no laughing matter if all you do is laugh.

That's Not Funny?

"No one is laughable who laughs at himself."

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

1st century BC Roman philosopher/playwright

Other than comedy, I don't see a lot of humor in business.

Mostly a lot of way too serious people.

What role, if any, should humor play in business?

I'm Not Kidding!

 "Wit is more often a shield than a lance."

Unknown

Humor plays a central role in business with the result of it depending on timing and the balance between there being too much or too little.

How conscious are you in your use of humor?

This is no laughing matter.

Did You Hear The One About Us Being Bankrupt?

"Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food."

William Hazlitt

Late 18th, early 19th century British essayist

I appreciate sense of humor and find it helps in difficult business situations.

But only helps; as Mr. Hazlitt said, there must be something of substance under the humor.

No joke.

The Best Medicine

"He who laughs, lasts."

Mary Pettibone Poole

Early 20th century author

You may have to read this twice to get the meaning.

And then laugh when you do, it will do you good.

Attitude: Do You Get It?

"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane."

Jimmy Buffett
"Margaritaville"

Seems like an appropriate quote for a warm, sunny, spring Friday; but it's not meant to be just a TGIF thing.

Seeing and expressing humor is an essential component in a balanced life, as well, I believe, a prerequisite for being a good manager.

Don't laugh, it's true.