29 THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A SENSE OF HUMOUR

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

The IT community is not generally noted for its sense of humour. When IT professionals do display a sense of humour it is often described in a somewhat negative sense; as ‘dry’ or ‘cutting’. However, humour has many positive benefits in the workplace; many, and that includes myself, would say that it is an absolutely essential ingredient. It can be used to:

  • bond people – something shared;
  • diffuse tension and lighten the mood;
  • oil the wheels of conversation;
  • increase the impact of your words;
  • aid creativity and understanding;
  • increase your allure, i.e. it makes people want to associate with you – to share your company!

In addition, laughing delivers positive physiological ...

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