Humor and Marine Leadership
"A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done."
Dwight D. Eisenhower
How many times have you thought or said "That guy needs to lighten up!" You don't have to be Robin Williams, but the ability to laugh at yourself and having a good sense of humor will make you a more approachable and effective leader. A good sense of humor helps relieve stress, and diffuse stressful situations. It also allows you to become more personable with your Marines without crossing the line.
In the right context, humor used at the right time can be a great asset. Remember, as with most things, timing is everything.
Why every leader should have a sense of humor:
-Use humor to Relieve Stress. Relieve the monotony of long days in the office, in the field or on deployment. Humor shows you don't take yourself too seriously and allows you to open a dialog with you Marines that might otherwise not happen. It is ok to laugh at yourself and with your Marines. Don't ever laugha at your Marines. Be careful not to be perceived as picking on your Marines. Humor allows you to relax and do your job so your Marines can relax and do theirs.
-Use humor to Diffuse Stressful Situations. I'm not suggesting smoking and joking in combat, but the ability to laugh at yourself, your situation or even the enemy is likely to ease tension and inspire confidence among your Marines. (If the boss isn't too worried about it, why should we be?)
-Humor Aids in Getting Along with People. You'll get much more done in leadership positions if people want to work with. There is nothing wrong with allowing your Marines to poke a little fun at you as long as it is done in the right context. Mess Night skits are a great example of this. Don't take yourself too seriously.
As a leader you're in a position of power over your subordinates that should never be abused. It is ok to laugh at yourself, and laugh with your Marines, but be very careful not to make fun of your Marines. There is a difference between having fun and picking on someone who can't defend themself. A subordinate Marine, by virtue of his rank, is never in a position to defend himself.
Here are a couple of great examples of effective Marine and military humor.
Posted by Leading Marines.com at 3/28/2009 10:25 AM 
Categories: General Leadership
Tags: Marine Corps Leadership
Categories: General Leadership
Tags: Marine Corps Leadership
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