Chapter 1: Embracing Humor in Challenging Situations

In my past role as a pastor and hospice chaplain, I found that the most fulfilling aspect of my job was presiding over funerals. Many people are surprised to hear this. "Funerals? Really?" they often exclaim.

However, I view them as a powerful form of emotional release. When a patient enters hospice care, their family understands that they are essentially waiting for the end. The anxiety of anticipating that call can be just as overwhelming as receiving it. Once the call comes, the process of healing begins, and I aimed to make that journey as uplifting as possible while honoring the life of the deceased.

Whenever I was asked to lead a funeral, I made it a point to meet with the family to start writing the eulogy. We would first discuss essential details—was the deceased a veteran? What causes did they care about? Did they have any favorite pastimes?

Then, I would encourage them to share the most amusing anecdotes about their loved one. This simple act often transformed the atmosphere from one of sorrow to one filled with laughter and warmth. It was a privilege to be part of those moments of joy amid grief.

My supervisor was a firm believer in the healing power of laughter. She understood the emotional toll of working in hospice and prioritized humor during our care plan meetings.

In the corporate world, it may seem that lightheartedness could undermine the seriousness of a company's mission. This perception can lead to a stifling work environment, making it challenging to foster a positive culture.

Regardless of how serious a business might be, or how crucial its objectives are, laughter is essential for maintaining joy. During my time as a hospice chaplain, I experienced more laughter than in most of my previous jobs. Far from diminishing my compassion or focus on my patients, humor actually replenished my energy and helped me avoid burnout.

Even though visiting patients could be mentally taxing, I cherish the memories of the funerals—the highlight of my connection with grieving families.

Does every workplace need a designated comedian? Not necessarily. However, leaders should feel comfortable making light of themselves, their practices, and the corporate culture at large. Self-deprecating leaders often seem more relatable and approachable.

AND…

The more relatable a leader is, the more motivated their employees will be to support them and the company.

So, as long as your humor is workplace-appropriate, embrace laughter. Don’t hesitate to laugh at yourself. Seek leaders who appreciate humor and remain steady amid chaos.

My hospice supervisor always exuded calmness and confidence. Even if she felt overwhelmed, she never let it show. She had an uncanny ability to find humor in the absurdities of our work, often commenting on how much effort we put in, only for a patient to pass shortly after.

If she could spread joy in the face of tragedy, then any workplace can do the same.

Stay smooth, friends.

This video, titled "Well that won't work... yes it will!! #mobile #mechanic #funny #laugh #love #work," highlights the lighter side of problem-solving in a humorous way, reminding us that laughter can accompany even serious tasks.

In this second video, "I Bet You Can't Make Me Laugh," viewers are challenged to find humor in unexpected places, reinforcing the idea that laughter can be a powerful tool in any setting.