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Humor, Seriously

Why Humor Is a Secret Weapon in Business and Life (And How Anyone Can Harness It. Even You.)

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Humor, Seriously

Written by: Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas
Narrated by: Jennifer Aaker, Naomi Bagdonas, Michael Lewis
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About this listen

Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today Best Seller

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, number-one New York Times best-selling 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.

©2020 Jennifer Aaker and Naomi Bagdonas (P)2020 Random House Audio
Comedy & Humor Communication & Social Skills Personal Success Business Comedy Career Funny
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What the critics say

“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 best-selling 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, cofounder of The Huffington Post and CEO of Thrive Global)

What listeners say about Humor, Seriously

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Seriously we need more humour!

As a small business owner I am always looking for ways to improve my work place for my employees. This book makes a great case why we need humour in the workplace to get the most out of our staff by creating a culture and environment where people can thrive & be successful by incorporating levity & humour. Bring on the clowns (ok maybe not clowns, some find them scary🤡, thanks IT!)

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Very captivating voice with great expressions

I found this audiobook very interesting and motivational to improve the work atmosphere. The tools described can also be use in our everyday life. I hope to develop my skills of creating levity around me. It is literally a superpower.

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