I Do My Work With Humour. Seriously | Dr. Koushik Chatterjee | TEDxGNA University

Main Argument - Leadership can benefit from understanding and practicing humor as a competence and levity as a style, leading to improved team performance [6][7] - Humor, like the Archimedes principle, can act as an upward force (lightness) to counteract the downward weight of seriousness in the workplace [8][9] - Laughter releases dopamine, reduces cortisol (stress hormone), and releases oxytocin, fostering trust, connection, and creativity [10][11] Practical Application - Humor is a skill that can be developed by observing absurdities, gently poking fun at oneself, and ensuring the humor is light and appropriate [15] - Leaders can incorporate humor by adding light touches to presentations, using playful titles for discussions, and starting with "two truths and a harmless lie" [18] - When using humor, it's crucial to avoid "punching down" to prevent offense and barriers to conversation [20] Cautions - Humor should be used judiciously, like a spice – a little adds flavor, but too much can be overwhelming [19] - Inappropriate humor can alienate individuals and disrupt communication, highlighting the importance of emotional regulation and context [21][22] Conclusion - Humor does not diminish the seriousness of work but makes it more human, which is a valuable asset in the age of AI and automation [23] - Individuals are encouraged to incorporate humor into their work to foster connection, communication, and a sense of being alive [24][26]