Humor is a powerful tool for building rapport, trust, and engagement with your clients. But what if your sense of humor doesn't match theirs? How can you avoid awkwardness, misunderstanding, or even offense when you joke with them? Here are some tips for HR consultants who want to use humor effectively with clients who have a different sense of humor.
Before you crack a joke, think about who you are talking to and what kind of humor they might appreciate. Do some research on their culture, background, values, and preferences. Avoid topics that could be sensitive, controversial, or inappropriate for the context. For example, don't make fun of their religion, politics, or personal issues. Also, be aware of the tone and level of formality that they expect. Some clients might prefer a dry, witty, or sarcastic humor, while others might enjoy a more playful, silly, or self-deprecating one.
When you have clients and hiring managers, as well, as candidates, on all ends of the political & personality spectrum, it is quite hard to hire without know the extreme differences that exist among each hiring manager, client, department, etc. Leaving Politics aside, it is crucial to see who they have hired in the past and who has worked well and who has not worked well personality wise. E.g. On one Partner Channel Sales team , they may not want the intense aggressive closer, but someone more patient energy, strong with training, operations and account management. However that same manager may want an aggressive energy, fast paced, hungry sales rep on the inside sales team, someone who can easily push through and make 300+ dials a day.
Once you have an idea of what kind of humor your client likes, try to adapt your style accordingly. You don't have to change your personality or pretend to be someone else, but you can adjust your delivery, timing, and language to suit them. For example, if your client is more reserved and subtle, you can use humor sparingly and subtly, without being too loud or exaggerated. If your client is more outgoing and expressive, you can use humor more frequently and openly, without being too timid or cautious.
This is kinda interesting, however, my experience working with various clients. One important aspect is KYC. Some of these clients are good at "making life hard", Secondly, being a good listener. Never argue with a client, he/she is the boss. Thirdly, always give the best soln and in a timely manner, earns respect.. With Linkedin or other social media pages, try to get help behind the curtain if need be. Always be a holistic solution. When reports are made by a service provider to the client, avoid blaming the client. Try to be positive, educative, in the end the client will learn from you and you two will become friends. Build rapport and always be supportive on anything outside work, bit it a wedding, birthday message, funeral etc.
The best way to know if your humor is working or not is to watch for cues from your client. Pay attention to their body language, facial expressions, and verbal responses. Are they smiling, laughing, nodding, or joining in? Or are they frowning, looking away, or changing the subject? If they seem to enjoy your humor, you can continue and build on it. If they seem to be uncomfortable or annoyed, you can stop and switch to a different topic or tone.
Humor is a skill that you can improve with practice and feedback. Don't be afraid to ask your client for feedback on your humor, either directly or indirectly. You can ask them what they find funny, what kind of jokes they like, or how they use humor in their work. You can also observe how they react to other people's humor, such as their colleagues, partners, or competitors. By learning from their feedback, you can refine your humor and make it more suitable for them.
Finally, remember that humor is not a substitute for respect and authenticity. You should always be respectful of your client's feelings, opinions, and boundaries. Don't use humor to mock, insult, or manipulate them. You should also be authentic and sincere with your humor. Don't use humor to hide your emotions, intentions, or opinions. Use humor to enhance your relationship, not to damage it.
There's a fine line between humor and insult. It's important to know when enough is enough, or if you've gone too far. Without malice, the person should understand and it should be easy to move on, but don't get into the habit of walking too close to the edge of that line, otherwise your humor will cost you a client.