A Shortcut to Reality - Humor

Years ago, while going on Ad nauseum, to a newly hired Sales Executive, about our services and what our customers want, I blurted out "The more I say it, the more I know it's true!"

With a ghost of a smile and kindness in his eyes he replied, "That should be your T-shirt." Anyone who worked with me probably knows of Don Pierce because he was a true master at calling out the truth without malice, and though he passed away years ago, I live by many of his gentle jibs.

We all like to laugh, and getting someone to smile or guffaw is rewarding. In business, social, and personal interactions, it is often a way to connect. Humor can be a powerful tool to point at the truth, particularly at human imperfection. We don't have to be funny to appreciate and react to it.

"Tragedy imitates men who are better than the average, and comedy men who are worse." - ARISTOTLE

While surprise is big part of comedy, Aristotle points out, that the key element of humor is the identification of a mistake or a flaw in the human condition. Making jokes about oneself builds trust, creates affinity and poses no threat.

"I have all of the disadvantages required for success" - LARRY ELLISON

Speaking the truth using humor can allow us to address something that might otherwise be off limits.

"The length of this document defends it well against the risk of its being read." - WINSTON CHURCHILL

If you have good intentions and the ability to see a truth in a humorous way, it may allow you to point out an error that needs identification without it being perceived as a threat or a personal attack. As a golf pro once said to me during a lesson, "You should try to stand further away from the ball after you've hit it."