This Thursday, March 25th at 4PM EST, there will be a Chat with Matt featuring David Horning, Chief Experience Officer, Water Cooler Comedy

Our topic will be: Using Humor to Pivot Problems to Punchlines to Profits

In a time with so much uncertainty and new problems in the workplace, it’s time that leaders break away from the old ways of thinking that created these problems and lean into new, more creative ways to solve problems. How? Through the effective use of humor.

For too long, leaders have been asking “Should we laugh at work or take it seriously?” Why not both?

In this introduction to the power of humor in leadership, you’ll learn:

- The difference between humor, funny, and comedy.
- Myths and misunderstandings about workplace humor.
- The power of humor in problem solving.
- Which of the 4 types of humor are most effective.
- How other leaders have effectively used humor.

1. What is "humor" and how has it played a role in your career development?

2. Misperceptions of using humor at work - CEOs say they value humor at work, so why are they resistant when it comes to implementing?

3. Why do we need humor in the workplace now, more than ever?

4. What if leaders developed the skills of a stand-up comedian?
- Self-awareness
- Vulnerability
- Honesty
- Open to risk
- Challenges certainties / asks questions
- Trust
- Better communicator/more transparency
- Connection with team
- Creating meaning at work

5. Is there a right way and wrong way to use humor at work?

6. The benefits of humor:
- Resilience
- Creativity
- Connects people
- Internal locus of control
- Mental health
- Actual health
- Long-term growth - emotionally, mentally, and financially

About David Horning:
Combining 8 years of comedy with 6 years of speaking, David Horning is on a mission to prepare teams for the shifting workplace of the 21st century. He has entertained and inspired audiences to use humor as a tool to adapt to change, relieve stress, engage teams, spark creative collaboration, and improve productivity with programs that turn traditional leadership on its head. He is the founder of Water Cooler Comedy, a company offering corporate comedy shows, keynote presentations, training programs, and leadership consulting.

In addition to speaking, David continues to perform stand-up, has been featured in The New York Comedy Festival, hosts a podcast called “You Can’t Laugh at That” featuring guests ranging from comedians, to humor researchers, to CEOs in order to explore the ins and outs of humor theory, stand-up comedy, joke writing, and humor in the workplace. He has appeared as a guest expert on leadership and HR podcasts such as HR After Dark, The Chad and Cheese Podcast, The Indigo Podcast, and others. He is currently working on his first book.

David Horning
Chief Experience Officer
Water Cooler Comedy
[email protected]

Please send any issues you would like addressed to [email protected] or to David at the above address.