Why can't work be fun? Why not have a good chuckle now and then? Researches are finding that people who use humor throughout their day actually enjoy their jobs, feel more creative, more productive and more committed. They also report less stress than their "work-is-hell" counterparts.

Leadership and communications experts, Peter Giuliano, chairman, and Frank Carillo, president of Executive Communications Group, have created the following tips to beat stress throughout your day by using humor.

Have a happy hour. Take responsibility for your own ability to have a good laugh. Turn your break or lunch hour into a "happy hour." Keep a few funny videos or funny "books on tape" close at hand.

Open a meeting with a good, quick story. Everyone likes to share something about themselves, their children, their grandchildren, etc. It shouldn't be a big deal, just a quick "This made me smile" moment.

Organize a team of dial-a-jokesters. Whenever you're at the end of your rope, call a co-worker who can get you smiling and back into the fight.

Relax with a game. Go outside in the sunshine and get moving with some team sports. Organize a game of Pictionary at lunch. Do anything that is different from your everyday routine.

Yuck it up. Keep a collection of great cartoons, humorous essays, etc., in your files or dedicate a bulletin board to funny stuff so anyone,anytime, can take a little humor break. Remember to keep it appropriate.

Act irresponsibly, but just for a short break. A deadline getting you down? Imagine you're a gag writer for Letterman. Take ten minutes and brainstorm with your fellow sufferers to come up with the "Top Ten Reasons Why This Project Can't Possibly Be Completed On Time." Then after the refreshing breather, get back to work with a whole new perspective.

Source:
Executive Communications Group, Englewood, New Jersey. For more information call (201) 445-7606 or visit www.ecglink.com.

NBA boss
Oct 2000
Vol 1, No 4, Pg 18