By Steve Adubato, PhD

It's okay to start laughing at work. Laughing and having a sense of humor is in no way disrespectful to those who died so tragically on September 11. Conversely, being overly serious, bordering on morose, isn't helping anyone. Laughter is one of the most powerful tools of communication. When we laugh, we open our hearts and often our minds to new ideas and new people. When we laugh, we create a more positive environment in which to work and interact with others. When we laugh, we reduce tension and anxiety and are often more productive.

Humor is also a tool of persuasion that helps build stronger relationships and teams. Dr. Paul McGhee has spent most of his adult life studying humor and what makes people laugh. He is the author of "PUNchline: How to Think Like a Humorist If You're Humor Impaired." Dr. McGhee says humor "lubricates the channels of communication, providing a way of saying things that would otherwise be delicate or awkward." When you think about it, it's really true. How many times have you been in an uncomfortable or difficult situation where you could cut the tension with a knife and all of a sudden someone delivers a funny or witty one-liner that makes everything okay? I'm not talking about being a great joke teller, but rather understanding that most of us think about life in funny or quirky ways. There is nothing wrong with letting others know that.

According to Paul McGhee, "more and more corporations are increasingly using 'a good sense of humor' as a consideration in hiring both management and non-management employees." Dr. McGhee says that adapting a lighter attitude on the job is in no way inconsistent with maintaining a high level of professionalism, competence and responsibility. For those of you looking for tangible tools and strategies to tap into your funny bone, consider the following tips offered by Dr. McGhee:

1. Decide that you WANT to have more humor and laughter in your life. People who are determined to find a way to lighten up on the tough days are the ones who are successful in doing so. Learning more about the health and work-related benefits of humor will give you the motivation you need to learn to lighten up.
2. Have a good belly laugh at least 5-10 times every day. Be sure the situation is appropriate. If you're not a belly-laugher, practice laughing harder than you usually do at movies, parties, etc. Note what laughter does to your mood.
3. Actively look for humor in everyday life (on the job & at home). Set a goal of finding 5 funny incidents every day. Once you start looking for them, you'll find funny things that have been there all along that you just didn't notice. Ask yourself, "What kind of Dilbert cartoon could be developed from this situation?"
4. Learn to poke fun at yourself. Find one way of laughing at yourself every day. If you can't find any, your co-workers will be glad to help you out. Focus on taking your work seriously while you take yourself lightly.
5. Look for a light side of stressful situations. Ask yourself what will seem funny about this a month from now? Put a "Lighten up" reminder in your office (cartoons, silly toy, or the words "Lighten Up!").

Write to me about the funniest person you work with. What exactly makes him or her so funny and what impact does his or her humor have on how your workplace operates? Until then, relax a little and don't take yourself so seriously.