Can a leader possess both humility and humor?

We tend to like people who are humble, and people who are funny. Humility and Humor are two great differentiating values. So why not put them together?

If a leader were to combine these two values, they might be doubly liked. But is this even possible? And would they be an effective leader?

Consider the meaning of these two values.

– Humility means a disposition to be humble; a lack of false pride.

– Humor means wit; the quality of being funny; put into a good mood.

Some might think the Latin roots of these terms have some commonality. They don’t. These are two very distinct values.

Grounded in humility

Humility is widely seen as a virtue (moral excellence). To be humble and lack false pride is greatly admired. And difficult to maintain.

Humility is especially hard for leaders when they are experiencing great success.

• Do they take the credit or transfer it to others?
• When followers all around them keep building them up and extolling their greatness, what happens to humility?
• Is it wrong to embrace pride when “the team” achieves an important goal?

Humility is synonymous with being humble. But both terms are derived from the Latin word humus (earth) meaning “grounded.”

In other words, leaders who live the value of humility are well grounded. They know the facts. They know the details around them. And they know themselves – with all of their oddities.

Laughing at yourself

Would you consider it odd or funny that the word humor originated as meaning bodily fluids? In fact, it still means that today in the medical profession.

Ancient philosophers believed that four liquids were part of the makeup of our bodies and that our personality (or character) was determined by the proportions of these four fluids – or humors. Any imbalance of these humors therefore made a person unwell and perhaps eccentric. Over time, the word humor took on the meaning of “oddness.” Eventually humor was applied to those who could provoke laughter at the oddities and the incongruities of life.

Effective leaders naturally look at the incongruities of life. They point out oddities in order to explore possibilities and influence change. Sometimes these oddities are found in circumstances. Sometimes they involve other people. And sometimes the oddest one of all is the leader themselves.

Great leaders can highlight their own oddities in a way that engages others. It might even get people to laugh.

It’s important to point out that a leader should never make fun of others. Poking fun at other people only hurts. Those that do it are mean and are not good leaders.

Making fun of yourself, however, is fair game. It shows others that you don’t take yourself too seriously. And it shows you are willing to look critically at all things, including yourself. That’s good leadership.

Together, a little humor and humility can make a leader seem more….. well…. human. And that’s a powerful way to engage and influence others.

 

What are the benefits for a leader who embraces the values of humility and humor?