Can Introverts Still Lead With Humor?
The relationship between humor and leadership effectiveness has never been studied more that it is today. Nor, for that matter, more important! Having a sense of humor as a leader is no longer considered a “nice to have,” I’d argue it’s a MUST-have characteristic of any successful leader.
One thing I stress time and time again to the CEOS and senior leaders I interview, coach, and speak to, is that demonstrating a sense of humor as a leader isn’t about being funny! And it’s definitely not about being an extrovert! Some of the most inspiring, successful leaders I’ve met around the world are often introverts! Yet, the successful leaders I’ve interviewed know that they can’t hide behind their introversion and use it as an excuse to not properly connect with their employees.
One of the best examples of this that I’ve ever come across is Paul Spiegelman.
The CEO of Beryl Health, Paul Spiegelman, definitely manages to have fun.
Why is Everyone Smiling?
I had the great pleasure of interviewing Paul Spiegelman several years ago. As the CEO of Beryl Health Call Centers and the author of “Why is Everyone Smiling?”, Paul Spiegelman is a truly
inspiring and effective leader with a phenomenal sense of humor. He has fostered one of the most inspiring workplace cultures in the world. Beryl is known for its family-friendly, humor-filled workplace culture.
Their focus on culture, on taking care of employees in need, and on creating a fun workplace has reduced Beryl’s employee turnover rate to around 15% (compared to the average annual employee turnover rate in the call center industry of 80%). And they make about five times their nearest competitor to boot, which Spiegelman credits largely to the Beryl culture. (Spiegelman goes so far as to suggest that employee engagement in any business is the leading indicator of future business success.)
Demonstrating Humor as an Effective Leader Isn’t About Being an Extrovert!
Spiegelman is unapologetic and passionate about asking employees to bring their sense of humor to work with them. And he understands that to maintain a great culture, adding fun can’t be viewed as “the flavor of the month.” Humor and fun must be seen as an integral, organic part of their culture.
Although no one is ever forced to participate in fun events at Beryl, a key principle they adhere to is that everyone must be given an equal opportunity to participate. For the sake of injecting fun into the workplace, Spiegelman has dressed up as a matador, roller-bladed in an outlandish disco costume, been dunked in dunk tanks, and starred in some very wacky videos. But here’s a crucial point in this story: Paul Speigelman is not naturally funny or even very outgoing. He’s exceedingly humble, and he’s an introvert!
His inspiring leadership isn’t personality-driven. The culture isn’t driven by the force of his charisma. Spiegelman has learned over the years how important it is, from a culture-building and leadership perspective, to laugh openly and easily at himself, and to take himself out of his comfort zone in order to connect and engage with his employees. And most importantly perhaps, despite the fact that he himself is not a naturally gregarious or funny person, he recognizes the need to build a fun culture, and has championed others in the organization to help fuel their amazing culture.
Michael Kerr is an international business speaker, trainer and the author of six books, including, “The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses Are Laughing All the Way to the Bank!”
