The Power of Humor – Dr. Vanessa Marcié

The Mystery of the Anti-Laughter Manual in the Workplace

Vanessa immediately poses a troubling question: “There was a manual we don’t know about that was given to all managers, telling them: if you want people to take you seriously, you absolutely must not laugh.” Research confirms this intuition: we stop laughing at 23 (the age of entering the workforce) only to start again at 70 (retirement).

French paradox: unlike in England, where managerial self-deprecation is seen as humility, France places a strong emphasis on institutional seriousness. Yet, sharing moments of laughter with colleagues builds bonds — the foundation of collaboration and performance.

The Transformational Elements of Humor

Humor in the workplace generates multiple scientifically documented benefits:

• Improve communication: Our brain is wired for stories more than for data. Humor, an accessible short story, makes complex concepts memorable and lasting.
• Manage stress: Laughter produces serotonin, reducing anxiety and stress. When a manager shows humor during difficult times, they demonstrate control of the situation and immediately reassure their teams.
• Strengthen cohesion: Humor creates psychological safety where everyone can express themselves. When you know you can laugh with your colleagues, you want to work with them.
• Stimulate creativity: Studies from the University of California show that the anterior cingulate cortex activates during laughter. Participants who watched a comedy then solved complex puzzles more effectively than those who watched a horror film.

The Southwest Airlines Case: when Humor Becomes Culture

Herb Kelleher, founder of Southwest Airlines, revolutionized his industry by institutionalizing humor. The company assesses a sense of humor during recruitment, not to exclude, but to verify cultural fit. Kelleher himself appeared in disguise (as Elvis, among others), made fun of himself, and consistently defended his employees, even in cases of humorous failure.

Result: hilarious safety announcements that transform a boring moment into a stand-up routine. “There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only four ways out of this plane. Fasten your seatbelt like Britney Spears: low, tight, and across the waist.”

Humor, a Double-Edged Sword

Vanessa warns against negative humor that gains power by humiliating. Even if it technically elicits laughter, the psychological effect is entirely different. Positive humor, on the other hand, engages teams who know they will have a good time with their manager.

This difference is crucial: every attempt at humor is an offer of connection. As a leader, accepting or refusing this offer determines the quality of the relationship with your teams.

Developing your Sense of Humor: it Can be Learned!

Contrary to popular belief, humor can be trained like a muscle. Vanessa has seen people with disabilities (autism) become award-winning professionals. For managers, she recommends:

• Practice within a circle of trust: Test your jokes with close contacts before professional situations.
• Start with low-stakes situations: Make the baker or bus driver laugh to gain confidence.
• Know your audience: Adapt your humor style to your interlocutors, just as you adapt your language.

The Permission for Lightness: from the Top Down

In the workplace, humor works from the top down. If the manager is not receptive, their employees will not dare. However, when the leader gives this “permission for lightness,” they encourage connections and strengthen psychological safety.

Being a good audience, encouraging respectful humor attempts, accepting offers of connection: these are all levers to create an environment where teams feel free to express themselves.

In a nutshell…

Here are the three key takeaways from this Masterclass with Dr. Vanessa Marcié:

• Humor as a communication tool: It makes messages memorable, manages stress, and stimulates team creativity.

• Develop positive and strategic humor: Practice, know your audience, and use humor consciously rather than randomly.

• Give permission for lightness: As a leader, be a good audience and encourage offers of connection to strengthen team cohesion.

Don’t miss the next Masterclass!

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• Operational Optimism at Work – Jean-Luc Hudry
• Disengagement: Prevention and Cure – Isabelle Barth