The Importance of Good Humour

Some people are relentlessly good-humoured. They are always happy, see the good in everything and everyone, never have a bad word to say about anyone. It may well be part of their character. They may have been born with a bright and breezy temperament. Or may be they have learned that good humour is the key to enjoying life and getting the best out of most situations.

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For it is true that good humour achieves more from people and situations that either criticism or negative behaviour.

- It helps everyone be in a better mood. I knew someone who managed over two hundred staff. Every day she would watch to see people's faces as they arrived for work. She would go and sit and chat with the most miserable looking person until they smiled and became more animated. She knew it would make a big difference to the quality of their work and the impact that they would have on their colleagues. Sometimes spending a little time with someone and refusing to join them in their low mood means that they eventually have to become a little more upbeat.

- It puts a better perspective on situations. Good-humoured people will not get drawn into a negative viewpoint on difficult situations. They will often either shrug, laugh or refuse to comment. Insisting on seeing things from a better perspective potentially opens up a whole new way of looking at something, a way that is more generous, accepting and good-humoured.

- It oils the wheels of relationships. Feeling relaxed and comfortable with another person is a good feeling. And being with someone who you can say anything to, someone who does not take things personally or become easily offended can be a real gift in a relationship. It is a treat to be with someone who is pleasant, positive and who has no airs and graces, who is naturally good-humoured.

- It deflates pomposity. A wry look, comment or observation delivered with a genuine smile can usually be accepted surprisingly well. Pompous people often find that they relax and become more 'normal' with good-humoured people. They they often find that they cannot get away with being too grandiose and they often realise that they do not need to behave that way. When they are treated with consideration or in a positive, good-humoured way they often become more relaxed and less inflated. They can be more themselves.

- It is a good way of delivering bad feedback. Delivering a poor performance review or some negative personal observations can be a difficult and unpleasant task for both parties, but sometimes it needs to be done. Both people may well feel awkward or uncomfortable but doing it with good humour, sensitivity and kindness can make a necessary task become more humane and possibly even appreciated by the other person. Helping someone to improve or become more aware of a problem can make a big difference to their chance of future success. All too often people put off delivering bad news because it is difficult, but sometimes it needs to be done. And it can often help the receiver make important improvements that they were perhaps unaware needed to be implemented.

Good humour is a positive way of improving communications in relationships of all kinds. Most people relate well to someone who is genuine, relaxed and confident. By having a pleasant manner people can communicate even bad news in an acceptable way. It makes a positive difference to the way people and situations are experienced.