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If you’ve ever sat through a tense performance review or a lifeless team meeting, Adam Christing has a message for you: bring on the laughter.

Mr. Christing, a longtime speaker and the author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead, says humour is a game-changing soft skill for leaders.

“After helping two million people laugh together at live events, I realized humour is the great connector,” he says during an interview. “You don’t need to be a professional comedian to tap into the magic. When leaders harness their humour, meetings feel less like chores and more like moments.”

For Mr. Christing, whose book helps people find their unique ‘laugh language’, humour isn’t just about cracking jokes, it’s about connection, authenticity and approachability. In fact, he says that performance reviews – often one of the most dreaded parts of workplace life – can benefit from a lighter touch.

“Performance reviews can feel like a dentist visit without anesthesia,” he says. “Humour lightens the mood, opens communication and reminds both sides they’re human.

That human element is critical, especially in environments that focus heavily on data and deliverables. “Most managers focus on metrics, not mood, but mood matters,” says Mr. Christing. “And people follow leaders they like, and we like people who are approachable.”

Mr. Christing says that self-effacing humour is a powerful tool for managers. He calls it ‘HAuthenticity’, or, a mix of humour and honesty. “When you can laugh at your own flops, you earn the right to help others through theirs,” he says.

Laughter also has a role to play when stakes are high. During tight deadlines or review cycles, it can be a source of motivation and creativity.

“Laughter loosens up thinking, reduces fear and helps new ideas flow more freely,” says Mr. Christing. “When laughter is welcome, people not only feel entertained, but also empowered.”

Mr. Christing’s belief in the power of laughter is more than just a hunch.

One study from Oxford shows that workplaces that embrace laughter can expect more satisfied and productive employees. Another study shows that shared laughter even has a positive impact on short-term interpersonal interactions.

While not every workplace may feel naturally funny, Mr. Christing says the effort is worth it.

“Humor can turn a culture of pressure into one of play and possibility. Plus, it’s fun – and who doesn’t want more of that?” he says.

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