In general I totally agree with you about self-deprecation from leaders. One clarification I would add is that too much self-deprecation is NOT a good thing. It’s an easy laugh that, when overused, can be seen as (whether rightly or unfairly) a lack of confidence. Self-deprecating humor is like good perfume – use it sparingly. If you make a mistake, however, by all means – show your humanity and have a laugh.  *That* people will respect.

Thanks for the post!

Tanveer’s joke is going to be tough to beat, but here goes:

In a busy doctor’s office, each patient approaching the receptionist’s desk is in their turn told to go to the changing area, remove their clothing, don a hospital gown, and wait to be called.
One patient in waiting gives vent to his frustration saying, ‘I don’t understand why I have to go through all this. I’m only here to be seen for a sore throat’. Another replies, ‘don’t feel bad buddy, I’m just here to pay my bill’!

Ron

Hi, Mike. Thanks for the kind words. We’ve all be victimized by somebody else’s idea of comedy. I use impro as the cor of my business and ne of the cardinal rules of improv is to NOT try and be funny. Otherwise everything dies a slow, painful death. Especially for everybody else in attendance. As my Uncle Murray used to say, “Never overlook the opportunity to keep your mouth shut.”

Hi, Mike. Thanks for the kind words. We’ve all been “victimized” by someone’s idea of comedy. I use improv in my business and one of main rules of improv is to NOT try to be funny. Because whatever comes out of that will die a slow, painful death. Especially for everyone else.

I always refer to my physical characteristics by pointing out the obvious, which is that I have a perfect face for radio – the truth has set me free. Thanks for sharing Shawn.

I always refer to my physical characteristics by pointing out the obvious, which is that I have a perfect face for radio – the truth has set me free. Thanks for sharing Shawn.

Thanks for the reminder of how some of the best dealt with the topic of humor. There are always great things to be gleaned from a study of History.

Thanks for the reminder of how some of the best dealt with the topic of humor. There are always great things to be gleaned from a study of History.

I actually laughed at that joke – not sure what that says about either of us, but you’re definitely in the running. Thanks for the contribution Tanveer.