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Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life (And how anyone can harness it. Even you.) Hardcover – February 2, 2021


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WALL STREET JOURNAL, LOS ANGELES TIMES, AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Anyone—even you!—can learn how to harness the power of humor in business (and life), based on the popular class at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
 
Don’t miss the authors’ TED Talk, “Why great leaders take humor seriously,” online now.

“The ultimate guide to using the magical power of funny as a tool for leadership and a force for good.”—Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of When and Drive

We are living through a period of unprecedented uncertainty and upheaval in both our personal and professional lives. So it should come as a surprise to exactly no one that trust, human connection, and mental well-being are all on the decline.
 
This may seem like no laughing matter. Yet, the research shows that humor and laughter are among the most valuable tools we have at our disposal for strengthening bonds and relationships, diffusing stress and tension, boosting resilience, and performing when the stakes are high. 
 
That’s why Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas teach the popular course Humor: Serious Business at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, where they help some of the world’s most hard-driving, blazer-wearing business minds infuse more humor and levity into their work and lives.

In
Humor, Seriously, they draw on findings by behavioral scientists, world-class comedians, and inspiring business leaders to reveal how humor works and—more important—how you can use more of it, better.

Aaker and Bagdonas unpack the theory and application of humor: what makes something funny, how to mine your life for material, and simple ways to identify and leverage your unique humor style. They show how to use humor to rebuild vital connections; appear more confident, competent, and authentic at work; and foster cultures where levity and creativity can thrive.

President Dwight David Eisenhower once said, “A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.” If Dwight David Eisenhower, the second least naturally funny president (after Franklin Pierce), thought humor was necessary to win wars, build highways, and warn against the military-industrial complex, then you might consider learning it too.

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From the Publisher

Humor Seriously, books on business, business help books, self help books

Humor Seriously, books on business, business help books, self help books

Humor Seriously, books on business, business help books, self help books

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A smart, funny, brilliant book on how to be smart about being funny, brilliantly. And I’m not just saying that because they say I am smart, funny, and brilliant in it. Buy it.”—Sarah Cooper, comedian and author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings
 
“I’ve learned (often the hard way) that the best way to be taken seriously is to not take yourself too seriously. My teams are always at their best when approaching problems with levity, which entails both humility and optimism and always engenders trust. Plus, it’s more fun—like this book!”
—Eric Schmidt, former CEO and executive chair of Google (Alphabet)
 
“Humor is an act of social courage that, when used correctly, has a transformative effect. 
Humor, Seriously gives us the tools we need to deploy humor expertly in any environment.”—Susan Cain, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Quiet
 
“If you think your workplace would work better if everyone laughed more, this is your playbook.”
—Chip Heath, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Power of Moments
 
“Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas make a scientific case for the importance of humor and show that it’s an incredible way to connect with customers and build culture. This book will help anyone embrace the power of laughter.”
—Sara Blakley, founder and CEO of Spanx  
 
“A sharp, incisive, and genuinely funny read that translates knowledge of the world of comedy to tools that actually work in the world of business.”
—Anne Libera, director of comedy studies at The Second City
 
“Business is serious and the world is serious, especially right now. That means we need the ideas described in 
Humor, Seriously even more than ever. Not because levity and humor are ways to relieve the pressure of serious times, although they are, but because they unlock our humanity in the moments where we most need it.”—Tim Brown, chair of IDEO and author of Change by Design

“Eye-opening, hilarious, and absolutely original, 
Humor, Seriously will change the way you think on the job, about the world, and in your life.”—­Leslie Blodgett, founder and former CEO of Bare Escentuals

“Fresh, profound, and consistently entertaining. I know the words ‘evidence-based’ don’t immediately connote riotous laughter, but Aaker and Bagdonas bring some irresistibly compelling science to the art and application of humor.”
—Kelly Leonard, executive vice president of The Second City
 
“Of all the known ways to ruin humor, the most common start with the words ‘research,’ ‘analyze,’ and ‘professor.’ The bad news is that this book features all of those words. Prominently. The good news is that against all odds, you’ll actually have fun reading it.”
—Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of the TED podcast WorkLife
 
“In this eye-opening, important and utterly enjoyable book, Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas use science to explain how humor at work (and in life) helps alleviate stress, anxiety, and burnout. Come for the humor, stay for the insights.”
—Arianna Huffington, co-founder of The Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive Global

About the Author

Dr. Jennifer Aaker is the General Atlantic Professor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a leading expert on how purpose and meaning shape individual choices and how technology can positively impact human well-being and company growth. Her work has been widely published in leading scientific journals, and featured in The Economist, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, and Science. A recipient of the Distinguished Scientific Achievement Award, and MBA Professor of the Year, Aaker counts winning a dance-off in the early 1980s among her greatest feats. 
 
Naomi Bagdonas is a lecturer at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and an executive coach. She facilitates interactive sessions for leaders, Fortune 100 companies, and nonprofits and coaches executives and celebrities for appearances on shows ranging from Saturday Night Live to Today. Formerly trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, Bagdonas performs at comedy venues and teaches improv in San Francisco’s county jail. Her constant stream of foster dogs describe her as gullible and full of treats.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crown Currency (February 2, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0593135288
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0593135280
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.36 x 0.91 x 9.38 inches
  • Customer Reviews:

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
716 global ratings
Seriously Great, Seriously Funny!
5 Stars
Seriously Great, Seriously Funny!
This book is insightful, groundbreaking and sharp. No, seriously, if you drop it at an angle on your foot, it hurts. But once the pain subsides, it makes for a great read. It’s the funniest serious book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.Humor, Seriously provides an entertaining and informative spin on how effective humor can be when developed as a powerful communications tool. The tips, tricks, case studies and techniques help create an awesome roadmap to help readers refine and strategically adapt humor to practically any situation. And Jennifer and Naomi have artfully broken down the process into bite-size pieces that can be enjoyed bit by delicious bit or in entire binge-worthy mouthfuls, sort of like my favorite chocolate.What I love about this book is that it while it cracks me up, it also cracks the code on what makes humor funny, appropriate and successful. This book also provides a solid foundation for using humor as a force for good, not just getting laughs.Up to now, I’ve taken great pride in my marginally funny sense of humor, but it was really a hit-or-miss proposition that involved throwing things out there and hoping for the best, with wildly mixed results. Humor, Seriously gives someone like me hope that I can actually be more funnier (industry term) simply by understanding concepts like the relationship between truth, pain and distance, and paying attention to how words might land for listeners.And if you’re willing to learn from “humor bombs”, there’s even a formula for recovering from those backfires, too. Brilliant. The bottom line is that this book will make you a better person. Do yourself a big favor and buy it; your friends, family and colleagues will thank you. Seriously.P.S. Quite frankly, Jennifer and Naomi are geniuses. I hope they both get a raise. But if not, at least this book will make the world a better, funnier and more interesting place.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2021
This book is insightful, groundbreaking and sharp. No, seriously, if you drop it at an angle on your foot, it hurts. But once the pain subsides, it makes for a great read. It’s the funniest serious book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

Humor, Seriously provides an entertaining and informative spin on how effective humor can be when developed as a powerful communications tool. The tips, tricks, case studies and techniques help create an awesome roadmap to help readers refine and strategically adapt humor to practically any situation. And Jennifer and Naomi have artfully broken down the process into bite-size pieces that can be enjoyed bit by delicious bit or in entire binge-worthy mouthfuls, sort of like my favorite chocolate.

What I love about this book is that it while it cracks me up, it also cracks the code on what makes humor funny, appropriate and successful. This book also provides a solid foundation for using humor as a force for good, not just getting laughs.

Up to now, I’ve taken great pride in my marginally funny sense of humor, but it was really a hit-or-miss proposition that involved throwing things out there and hoping for the best, with wildly mixed results. Humor, Seriously gives someone like me hope that I can actually be more funnier (industry term) simply by understanding concepts like the relationship between truth, pain and distance, and paying attention to how words might land for listeners.

And if you’re willing to learn from “humor bombs”, there’s even a formula for recovering from those backfires, too. Brilliant. The bottom line is that this book will make you a better person. Do yourself a big favor and buy it; your friends, family and colleagues will thank you. Seriously.

P.S. Quite frankly, Jennifer and Naomi are geniuses. I hope they both get a raise. But if not, at least this book will make the world a better, funnier and more interesting place.
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Seriously Great, Seriously Funny!
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2021
This book is insightful, groundbreaking and sharp. No, seriously, if you drop it at an angle on your foot, it hurts. But once the pain subsides, it makes for a great read. It’s the funniest serious book I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.

Humor, Seriously provides an entertaining and informative spin on how effective humor can be when developed as a powerful communications tool. The tips, tricks, case studies and techniques help create an awesome roadmap to help readers refine and strategically adapt humor to practically any situation. And Jennifer and Naomi have artfully broken down the process into bite-size pieces that can be enjoyed bit by delicious bit or in entire binge-worthy mouthfuls, sort of like my favorite chocolate.

What I love about this book is that it while it cracks me up, it also cracks the code on what makes humor funny, appropriate and successful. This book also provides a solid foundation for using humor as a force for good, not just getting laughs.

Up to now, I’ve taken great pride in my marginally funny sense of humor, but it was really a hit-or-miss proposition that involved throwing things out there and hoping for the best, with wildly mixed results. Humor, Seriously gives someone like me hope that I can actually be more funnier (industry term) simply by understanding concepts like the relationship between truth, pain and distance, and paying attention to how words might land for listeners.

And if you’re willing to learn from “humor bombs”, there’s even a formula for recovering from those backfires, too. Brilliant. The bottom line is that this book will make you a better person. Do yourself a big favor and buy it; your friends, family and colleagues will thank you. Seriously.

P.S. Quite frankly, Jennifer and Naomi are geniuses. I hope they both get a raise. But if not, at least this book will make the world a better, funnier and more interesting place.
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8 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2021
Recently, every week, I have entered the New Yorker’s cartoon-captioning contest. It works like this. On the last page of the current issue, they provide a strange, fanciful, or otherwise unique drawing. The contestant’s job is to invent a funny caption and to submit it via the Internet. Next week’s issue selects three captions as finalists, and participants vote on-line for their favorite among these. On the third week, one caption emerges as the winner, and – on-line but not in the magazine itself – the other two are listed as runners-up. Suffice it to say that I have never managed to create a winning entry. Indeed, I have never even qualified as a runner-up. Clearly, I need help in developing my comedic skills. Such assistance promises to come from the new book by Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas entitled “Humor, Seriously.” In it, the authors analyze the importance of humor to our lives in general and to our business-oriented communications in particular. In short, they assemble personal reflections, clever anecdotes, experimental research findings, comments from real-life comedians, and observations reflecting a great deal of wisdom mixed with common sense to limn the essence of ways in which levity can enliven, enrich, and enhance our activities as we participate in the human condition. Aaker and Bagdonas have done their homework, and the benefits of their fruitful efforts emerge in a carefully structured and engagingly presented trip through the subtleties of what makes things funny and why we care. One reason we care is that laughing is good for us. Another is that jokes can pave the way to smooth relationships in the workplace. Another is that comic insights often embody great truths. All told, as demonstrated by A&B, levity is the soul of wit. A&B have created a passionate entreaty to foster levity-humor-&-comedy in your business, your organization, … your life. Humor smooths the way, encourages friendships, cements relationships, sparks innovations, and resonates with love. All this awaits the reader of “Humor, Seriously.” And – if you are such a reader – you’ll be grateful for the experience. Meanwhile, after reading A&B, my latest submission to the New Yorker’s captions contest still failed to achieve success. It did not win, place, or show. Apparently, I’m a slow learner. I guess it’s time to read the book again. This time, following the cues provided by A&B, I’m ready to respond with “Yes, And….”
10 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021
I heard the authors on a podcast and I was hooked. They explore the science of humor and levity, particularly at work. And, no surprise...having a good sense of humor, laughing with your teammates and being more playful all contribute to higher performance and well being. There are some good tips for how to formulate a joke, what's appropriate at work and why leaders with a sense of humor excel. Definitely a good read.
4 people found this helpful
Report
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
If your goal in reading this book is to become a stand-up comedian fulltime as a career, this isn’t the book for you. If you want to understand humor, learn about humor as it affects you, and incorporate it into your life (business and personal), yes! You can do it!

The book has a great tone to it. The authors did a lot of research. Some of their examples may have you going, “Who’s that?” if you go to bed before 11pm (I got a sense that the authors relate more to Seth Meyers more than Stephen Colbert). Other examples will have you smile, laugh, and say to yourself “Great suggestion!” If you purchase the print version, be liberal with a highlighter or post-its for some of the pearls that are sprinkled throughout the book. Or wait, pearls roll and aren’t sprinkled. Tips.

“Humor, Seriously” is highly practical as being a great read. Try the tips they suggest. Better yet, incorporate them in your professional/personal dealings with others. People may not be rolling on the floor with your comments during meetings (and they shouldn’t), for example, but your points will probably be listened to more, people will probably at some level, will enjoy working with you more, and you won’t require a food taster or Kevlar attire during lunches and meetings.

Even Snipers (from a test you can take online), will benefit from the book. Some people just don’t get irony and haven’t even heard of Oscar Wilde!
20 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

alfgal
4.0 out of 5 stars Conoce tu lado humorístico y saca provecho de el.
Reviewed in Mexico on March 18, 2023
Un libro interesante, te deja conocer un poco más de ti mismo y te ayuda en implementar tu forma de humor en tu vida cotidiana.

Es práctico y muy simple de leer. Por la parte práctica te hace fácil entender en qué situaciones y cómo usar tu sentido del humor.

Creo un libro muy válido para estos tiempos y cambios de generaciones donde algunos toma n a mal una broma y otros no, deja mayor claridad, cuando si, como si, donde si.

Es un buen libro de ayuda, aún no siendo el libro que más me atraiga si recomiendo leerlo. Y más aún si puedes compartir con personas de confianza para enredarte mejor.
Fahad Shaikh
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book!
Reviewed in Canada on December 5, 2022
A light but insightful read.
One person found this helpful
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Pedro Lopes
4.0 out of 5 stars Leve
Reviewed in Spain on January 3, 2023
Eu li recentemente Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life e tenho de dizer, foi um verdadeiro riso! Está bem, vou tentar ser um pouco mais profissional do que isso.

A sério, este livro é uma leitura fantástica para qualquer pessoa que queira dar um pouco de leveza ao seu trabalho ou à sua vida pessoal. A autora Jennifer Aaker faz um excelente trabalho de quebrar a ciência por trás do humor e seus vários usos, desde a construção de relações mais fortes até o aumento da produtividade.

Uma das coisas que mais gostei no Humor, Seriously: Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life, foi a forma como Aaker incorporou exemplos da vida real e histórias ao longo do livro. Fez com que o material se sentisse relatável e acrescentou um toque de humor (veja o que eu fiz lá?) à experiência de leitura.

Se você está precisando de um pouco de "pick-me-up" ou apenas quer aprender mais sobre o poder do humor, eu recomendo altamente dar Humor, Sério, uma leitura. É um livro divertido e informativo que te fará rir e pensar sobre o papel do humor na tua própria vida. Só não espere tornar-se um comediante stand-up da noite para o dia - esse não é realmente o objetivo do livro. Mas ainda é uma boa leitura.
Schoeni
3.0 out of 5 stars Not really
Reviewed in Germany on April 13, 2022
The reader‘s expectations were not matched fully. The book‘s essence would fit on a one-pager, so it becomes somewhat boring. Nevertheless the authors provide some helpful insights.
A Mat
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting.
Reviewed in Canada on May 6, 2022
Well written in most parts.