How can you use humor to build rapport with employees from different backgrounds?

"Dad" Jokes. Simple Humor with a turn of phrase will usually lighten the mood. The topic will typically be relatable and appeal to the most diverse audience. It will help C-suite professionals climb out of the ivory tower and be much more approachable.

It's simple, but whether it's a VP two levels up or a student worker, whenever I can control a conversation, I like to keep it light. That's it -- Keep it light. Work (and life) are hard enough as is. There is no need to lay something heavy on someone else if you don't have to, so keep it upbeat and light. Your smile, your demeanor, a well-placed (and hopefully appropriate) joke can all make or break someone else's day depending on your dynamic. Set the tone as often as you can and leave the heavy stuff at the door when it's possible.

Building strong connections across diverse backgrounds is essential for a thriving workplace! One powerful tool in our kit? Humor! ?? Laughter transcends borders and brings us together. ??, a few bits to be careful about; embrace universality, avoid humor that can unintentionally hurt, use inclusive language and celebrate diversity... Let's build bridges, one smile at a time! ???? #DiverseTeams #InclusiveWorkplace #TeamBuilding"

Be curious, be self effacing, joke about your own culture and country, ask honest questions. You should never look to make fun of something you know little about.

In my experience, the most important thing necessary for adding humor to any situation is to first and foremost have a sense of humor yourself! I used to use exaggeration as a tool for getting folks to crack up, but when you’re a CEO,that doesn’t work. People often take exaggeration as a serious statement of fact. So, limit your humor to quick wit, fast comebacks, and sarcasm. Having worked in research institutes and hospitals in leadership positions, it’s important to clearly understand the nuances of all the different cultures and ethnicities represented there. I’m sure the Secy. General of the UN carefully sorts out his or her attempts at humor. Self-deprication always seems to work for both those who like you and those who don’t.

Be careful when being self-deprecating. If you do this too often, it could lead to your colleagues and staff team members thinking it’s okay to joke about you at the wrong time and in the wrong places. It could get out of hand.

I always say I dont take myself seriously but I am serious and passionate about what I do. I have the innate ability to laugh at myself, be silly and see the humour in every situation. Humour has the ability to break down barriers, diffuses tension and anxiety and can create connections quickly.

Confident vulnerability is a term I often use to communicate that we all have areas where we can grow and our teams are made stronger through this awareness and the collaboration that can follow.

Absolutely! Self-deprecating humour has this amazing way of breaking down barriers and bringing people closer. Embracing our imperfections and sharing those silly moments – all add up to creating a real sense of friendship and belonging. This definitely has been a game changer for me in building rapport.

In my experience, making light of situations , especially the difficult ones brings harmony in workplaces. In the pursuit of excellence and success, leaders tend to make transactions business-like. Gradually, interactions become mechanical. At times like these, employees need to connect with one other on a more personal level. Humour comes to the rescue when you have to deal with any situation be it professional, personal or emotional. Co workers tend to be open to suggestions and criticisms when it comes from a person who accepts to commit mistakes himself/herself and poke fun at oneself. Self deprecating humour makes us one of them and strengthens team morale, encourages others to be more open, productive and respectful to one another.

In my experience, I’ve found that incorporating humor through stories and anecdotes is incredibly effective in connecting with students, faculty, and staff. With over three decades in higher education, I've gathered many relatable and humorous stories from my personal and professional life. When I share these stories, my goal is not only to entertain but also to impart valuable lessons and insights. A humorous incident from my time as a student, for example, might demonstrate the importance of resilience or creativity. Or, a light-hearted story from a staff meeting could highlight the crucial roles of teamwork and communication. Selecting stories that resonate with the specific audience and topic at hand is key.

Lockere humorvolle Anektdote die bspw. Eigene fehler oder unzul?nglichkeiten oder learnings thematisieren k?nnen türen ?ffnen. - man zeigt menschlichkeit - baut vertrauen auf - f?rdert die lernkultur - schafft so eine lockere entspannte atmosph?re

I am a storyteller and it is a sure way to illicit laughter while drawing a picture for those struggling to understand another persons experience and perspective.

Storytelling is at the cornerstone of most civilizations. Shouldn’t end in this century. Storytelling allows you to show humility, vulnerability and empathy. It is a great way to model lesson learning and push for others to do the same.

Humor is a powerful tool for engagement, cohesiveness, and camaraderie. In my experience, stories have helped me to bridged gaps, underscore my values and invite colleagues to share their own. Laughter and storytelling created a texture of trust that led to more connectedness.

It's a job not a social event, however cateful respectful well placed humor can be helpful to humanize things. Be a mensch first and foremost.

Humor is a big part of my personal and professional life, and I will shy on more rather than less humor. Let me tell you a story. During an interview for a leadership position, I answered a question with a joke. I was asked "How do I address problems within my project?" I said. "What problems? I never have problems in my projects." Before I got a chance to continue, the hiring manager looked at me, wrote something down and said "Not even one? I find it hard to believe." and moved to the next question. I knew at the moment that I would not get the job-and for the better. I probably would have found it difficult to relate to the hiring manager.

In my experience, sometimes when your team is struggling or stressed. A simple honest and humble self observation that is humorous and be just the ticket, to give everyone a reset.

There are too many serious moments and situations in the workplace. Adding humor, even smiley emojis, while not "professional", adds a level of connectivity that strait laced professionalism lacks. Humor brings people together on every level.

I remember someone trying to use humor after a school shooting. It did not go over well. Be aware of when you can and cannot use humor.

I agree, but always be authentic and true to yourself first and foremost. If it doesn’t flow naturally and for seamlessly in the context, then it could backfire and have a reverse effect.

If humor is not your natural way of being, the place of work is not the place to develop your comedic muscles. While you’re trying to work at it, you could offend some people, and/or lose credibility and respect in the process.

Esteja aberto para aprender com os colegas. Permita que todos compartilhem suas express?es humorísticas, criando um ambiente onde diferentes formas de humor sejam apreciadas e respeitadas. Assim você também tem chance de ampliar seu repertório e descobrir novas formas de expressar seus sentimentos.

Getting the hang of workplace humor means picking up tips from different places, like successful colleagues and learning materials. It's important to expand your learning beyond what's familiar and comfy. While copying others isn't the way to go, watching how people use humor well and putting those insights into your own style helps you build a unique sense of humor that brightens up the workplace!

Humor can be a powerful tool for building rapport across diverse backgrounds. Focus on universal themes, avoiding culturally sensitive topics. Use observational humor that everyone can relate to, and be mindful of cultural nuances. Also, actively listen to others' humor and learn from their styles, adapting it to suit the diverse perspectives within your team.

Having fun is important, it puts everybody at ease and lightens the mood. As time goes by we forget the boring times and look back at the fun ones, making that learning along the way last longer as a result. If we can laugh at the "big, scary thing" then all of a sudden it becomes much less scary. A word of caution however, being genuine is much more important than forcing funny. If you think you are masking how you really feel - you aren't. Clients will see straight through it in a heartbeat. If you're bored, so are they. At the end of the day get out there and have fun, the results will astound.

Couldn't agree more! I've always believed that sharing a good laugh and embracing some fun is the ultimate stress-buster. Taking a moment to unwind, have a good laugh, and enjoy the lighter side of things is like hitting the reset button. We should awaken that inner child to find joy in the simple moments and brighten up our world.

I think that being able to have fun at work is incredibly important. I like to help members of the team feel comfortable to even make a bit of fun of me. Being consistent with the level of fun is important too so your team know who it what they're getting day to day rather than inconsistent ups and downs. It creates higher levels of rapport, trust and a willingness to collaborate when your team know you.

The best executives I’ve worked for, and try to model my leadership after, are those who understood 99% of “work-related problems” are nothing to get stressed out about and are often situations we can find humor in while moving forward. Laughing during tough times can be cathartic, stress-releasing, and clear headspace for more prudent decision-making, rather than making hasty decisions amidst a swirl of stress, tension, and conflict.

I agree - I can’t stop smiling which is a mixed blessing. It’s not about toxic positivity but seeing the fun in a situation that gives us hope and provides space to bond in a fun way. Sometimes, in an attempt to appear professional, people don’t want to relax and have a laugh. I love what a fellow collaborator said about forgetting the boring moments and remembering the fun times!

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Clock your own mistakes, find the humour in them and have a laugh at them, and allow others to see you do it.

I once took part in a leadership course with a major British university and one of the key characters that apparently had to be present in successful SLTs was the 'clown', as meetings can sometimes be as dull as dishwater. Quips and one-liners sure help the hours pass, keeps the group sweet, and raises productivity. This also translated beautifully into classes helping concentration, enjoyment and learning levels. Check out gelatology! It's a thing, with loads of evidence as well. It's not just the study of ice-cream.....honest!

Have fun. The speakers' investment in the event is obvious and contagious. If you aren't having fun, no one else will either.

People remember how you make them feel. So leavening a meeting, which no one wants to be at! - with a few smiles, coupled with self deprecating humor, helps. And so does ending the meeting early! Now THAT brings smiles!

Public speaking can be a tough gig! But, it does get easier and, dare I say, fun as your speaking resume grows. So, never miss out on an opportunity to use your voice - in a conference room, on a sold-out keynote stage, at your best friends wedding, or even at your next local city council or school board meeting. You’ll never regret taking the opportunity!