Program teaches how humor can make job, life better
TROY, N.Y. >> Business and community leaders enjoyed an early morning laugh Tuesday and learned from Dr. Joel Goodman, founder of the Humor Project, how that laughter can help them be better at their jobs and at life.
The Saratoga Springs man presented The Laughing-Leading Link: Taking Your Job Seriously and Yourself Lightly at a Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast at the Hilton Garden Inn.
Based in Saratoga Springs, the Humor Project is the first organization in the world to focus on the positive power of humor. Though the initiative started locally, Goodman has given presentations in all 50 states and on all seven continents.
Tuesday’s program was designed to be learning-filled and laughter-fueled for the professional crowd, who were advised to take themselves lightly while being serious about their jobs. Goodman delivered both powerful principles and amusing anecdotes during the program, aiming to help his audience see the connection between the bottom line and the funny line.
“What we do is fun, but not for fun,” he explained.
Though jokes were part of the program, Goodman shared that there are many other ways to find and spread humor in life.
“I want to broaden your perspective of what humor is, what humor can be,” he told the crowd. “There are lots of ways to put smiles on faces in addition to telling jokes.”
Goodman advised audience members to live by what he called the Steve Allen Principle — named after the comedian and talk-show host — that the secret to finding humor in life and work is understanding that nothing is quite as funny as the unintended humor of reality.
“Humor can lift our spirits, our body, our mind and our heart at the same time,” Goodman said.
Goodman also explained humor isn’t something people are born with or not.
“Humor is a life skill that you can nurture and develop for yourselves,” he said.
For those who aren’t comfortable telling jokes, humor can be shared through a bumper sticker or a sign in the office break room. In stressful work environments, Goodman said, “You can tickle the stress before it tackles you.”
Goodman also spoke of how humor has its health benefits.
“Jest for the health of it,” was written on his list of workshop takeaways.
“Humor: It’s a godsend,” Goodman said, referring to the “blessed respite of laughter.”
While Goodman believes humor can be found in any situation, the program also touched on the crucial difference between laughing at others and laughing with others, encouraging attendees to be appropriate, timely and tasteful with their humor.
“Today’s program provided our members with a refreshing opportunity to infuse laughter into their lives,” said Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce president Kate Ollier. “Humor and laughter can ease tension, boost morale and demonstrate that we’re all human. Using humor in the workplace is something we can all benefit from. It was our pleasure to host Dr. Goodman to share this message.”
More information on the Humor Project can be found at www.humorproject.com.
