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The Elephant in the Room is Laughing:

A Facilitator Looks at Humor’s Impact on

Group Process & Human Resources

Presenter: Izzy Gesell, M.ED, CSP

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A cognitive skill aimed at adding

levity & lightheartedness to life

OR diminishing fear and stress.

HUMOR

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In control & command

Confident & competent

More receptive to feedback

Resilient

HUMOR

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1. Social lubricant2. Expressing aggression or

hostility3. Search for information

(Paul McGhee, 1976)

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3 Social Goals of Humor

1. Surprise

2. Superiority

3. Biological

4. Psychoanalytical

Patricia Keith-Spiegel (1972)

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WHY WE LAUGH

Groups are systems of interwoven individual relationships.

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Humor & Group Process

Getting a “feel” for the emotional climate of the group.

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GROUP TEMPERATURE

“ The collective belief of group members that the group can and will be effective; created through interaction.”

“A group’s perceived capability to perform.”

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GROUP EFFICACY

Shield- The Protector.

◦ Overcome awkwardness. Use to set audience at ease so you can maintain control.

◦ Reassure the insecure.

◦ Self-deprecating/effacing

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4 FUNCTIONS OF HUMOR

Weapon- The Destroyer

◦ Of ins vs. outs/ outs vs. ins

◦ Against the “other”

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4 FUNCTIONS OF HUMOR

Bridge- The Connector

◦ Enjoyable interaction

◦ Shared perspective

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4 FUNCTIONS OF HUMOR

Spotlight- The Announcer

◦ Highlight self or an issue

◦ Control a situation

◦ Status

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4 FUNCTIONS OF HUMOR

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Mental

Humor Strengthens My…

Emotional

Physical

Spiritual

Abilities

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• What can you take from YOUR “humor profile” and bring to your work and personal life?

• Collect humor as it comes it comes to you. (quotes, situations, jokes, stories). Editing is 2nd, step not 1st. (Personal blooper reel)

• Share the humor in as many modalities as possible

Now What? Implementation!

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Think About• 1 or 2 things you heard, felt, or thought

today that made a difference for you.

• What skill, tactic or attitude will you implement?

• What is your next ACTION STEP to help you move towards your desired state?

• BY WHEN will it be done?

Take-Aways

THANK YOU!

For more information on this or Izzy’s other programs:

izzy@izzyg.com

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