Humor: The Leadership Skill Nobody Talks About... Making Laughter Work at Work

What if one of the most powerful leadership skills… is something we’ve been taught to leave at the door?

In this solo episode of Laugh or Death, Paul breaks down why humor isn’t just a “nice to have” at work — it’s a leadership advantage. We spend over 100,000 hours of our lives working, and yet so many workplaces operate under an unspoken rule: be serious. But according to research, the best leaders aren’t just hardworking — they’re also human, approachable, and yes… funny.

Paul shares studies showing that humor: Reduces stress and burnout Increases team connection and engagement Improves productivity (by as much as 12%) Even helps people get promoted But beyond the business case, this episode focuses on something deeper — the human case. Humor isn’t a distraction from work… it’s part of what makes us human. And when we suppress it, we don’t just limit engagement — we limit ourselves.

Paul introduces the first step in his LAFTER framework: 👉 L = Lead by Example Because culture doesn’t change through permission alone — it changes through participation. Through stories (including Abraham Lincoln, Shrek cosplay executives, and a failed office calendar idea), Paul shows how leaders who actively model humor create psychological safety for their teams.

He also breaks down practical ways to start: Develop your own sense of humor (it’s a skill) Balance confidence and humility Use self-deprecating humor strategically (without undermining your competence) Move beyond “I allow fun” → actually participate in it The big takeaway? If you want a more engaged, creative, and connected team… it starts with you.