I will never forget the moment that changed how I thought about humor.
We were in a crisis meeting. A technical failure threatened to delay a major launch. The room was silent. The tension was thick enough to choke on. Everyone was looking at their shoes, terrified to speak.
Then, the Lead Engineer cracked a joke.
It wasn't even a great joke. But it broke the seal.
The room erupted in laughter. Shoulders dropped. The air cleared.
And in the next 15 minutes, we solved the problem.
The same problem we had been grinding on for hours was solved moments after we laughed. Why? Because stress shuts down the creative brain. Laughter re-opens it.
In the Superhuman Framework, Humorous isn't about being a stand-up comedian. It isn't about telling jokes.
It is the spiritual discipline of not taking yourself so seriously that you crush your team under the weight of your own importance.
Why Laughter is “Good Medicine”
Many faith-driven leaders think they need to be “somber” to be “spiritual.”
They carry the weight of the world on their faces.
But Scripture tells us otherwise.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22
Humor is Healing.
When you laugh at a mistake, you rob it of its power to shame you.
When you laugh during a crisis, you signal to your team: “God is still on the throne, and we are going to be okay.”
The Theology of Humor
If you can't laugh, it's usually a sign of Pride. It means you think you are holding the universe together.
The Humble leader can laugh because they know they are just a Steward. The Owner (God) has the final say.
The Proud Leader
Can't laugh because they think they are holding it all together.
The Humble Leader
Can laugh because they know God is in control.
Humor That Heals vs. Humor That Hurts
Not all laughter is created equal.
There is a difference between Joy (which invites people in) and Sarcasm (which keeps people out).
| Humor That Hurts (The Flesh) | Humor That Heals (The Spirit) |
|---|---|
| Sarcasm: “Oh, great job breaking the server again.” | Levity: “Well, the server is down. At least we can't break anything else today.” |
| Punching Down: Making fun of the team/junior staff | Self-Deprecation: Making fun of yourself |
| Goal: To look clever/superior | Goal: To reduce tension/connect |
| Result: Insecurity | Result: Safety |
The Superhuman Rule:
Always punch up (at the situation) or punch yourself (self-deprecation). Never punch down (at the team).
Check Yourself
Do people laugh with you, or do they laugh nervously because you're the boss?
How to Lighten the Load
You don't need to be funny to be Humorous. You just need to be Human.
Master Self-Deprecation
The most powerful thing a leader can do is laugh at their own mistake.
“Well, I definitely missed that goal. Remind me not to do math in public again.”
When you do this, you signal safety. You tell the team: It's okay to be imperfect here.
The Pressure Valve
When a meeting gets too tense, be the one to break it.
A simple smile, a light comment, or a deep breath can act as a pressure valve that prevents an explosion.
Celebrate the Absurd
Business is weird. Things go wrong in ridiculous ways. Instead of getting angry, try getting amused.
“You can't make this stuff up!” is a better reaction than screaming.
Check Yourself
When things go wrong, is your default reaction Anger or Amusement?
Don't Be a Clown
A warning: Humorous does not mean Silly.
You are still the leader. If you are joking when the building is burning, you lose trust.
The Balance
Serious about the Mission.
Lighthearted about the Self.
Take the work seriously. Don't take yourself seriously.
Continue Your Journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Humor is not always appropriate, but it is appropriate more often than most leaders think. The key is reading the room and understanding context. In crisis, use humor sparingly and only to relieve tension, not dismiss concerns. In high-stakes situations, a well-timed light moment can actually help people think more clearly. The question is not whether to use humor but when and how.
You do not need to be a comedian to be a humorous leader. You need to appreciate humor, create space for it, and not take yourself too seriously. Laughing at others' jokes, celebrating moments of levity, and being willing to acknowledge your own mistakes with grace are all ways to cultivate humor without being the one who cracks jokes.
Pay attention to reactions. Genuine laughter and engagement are good signs. Awkward silence, forced smiles, or people looking uncomfortable are warning signs. Ask trusted team members for honest feedback. And when in doubt, err on the side of self-deprecating humor rather than humor directed at others.
The wrong kind of humor can, but the right kind actually builds authority. Leaders who can laugh at themselves are seen as more confident, not less. Leaders who use humor to build connection are seen as more trustworthy. What undermines authority is using humor to avoid hard conversations or being so silly that people cannot take you seriously when it matters.
Stick to self-deprecating humor and situational observations. Avoid humor based on demographics, personal characteristics, or anything that could make someone feel excluded. When you are the target of your own jokes, no one else is at risk. If you are unsure whether something might offend, do not say it.
Scripture presents laughter as a gift from God. Proverbs says a cheerful heart is good medicine. Ecclesiastes says there is a time to laugh. Sarah laughed when she learned she would have a son at an old age. Jesus used irony and wit in His teaching. The Bible warns against foolish talk and crude joking, but appropriate humor is celebrated as part of a joy-filled life.