Why humour should be taken seriously by coaches

Let’s call it what it is: humor in coaching. For many coaches, humour feels like a dish from the fridge that you’re not sure is still good – better safe than sorry, right? But what if that caution is actually holding us back?

Dare to laugh: how humour makes a difference in coaching

Taking risks is part of coaching. You ask bold questions, offer fresh insights, and challenge your client to step out of their comfort zone. That’s what makes coaching powerful. So why does humor feel like a boundary we hesitate to cross?

No humour? Here’s what you’re missing as a coach

Leaving humor out of your sessions means missing valuable opportunities:

• Building deeper trust with your client.
• Opening up fresh perspectives on tough challenges.
• Strengthening team dynamics.
• Creating lasting insights.
• Making sessions both meaningful and enjoyable.

Imagine a client stuck in a negative belief: “I can never deliver a good presentation.” A light-hearted remark like, “Maybe not, but you can definitely give the audience a great laugh with your PowerPoint struggles!” can break the tension and open up space to explore solutions together.

And no, this isn’t just a fun idea. Research shows that humor truly works. It strengthens relationships, boosts creativity, and helps solve problems. Humor is like emotional intelligence’s sparkling cousin – just as powerful, but with an added dose of playfulness.

Why humour is the hidden power in coaching

We’re on the brink of a new evolution in coaching. Just as emotional intelligence once revolutionized leadership, strategic humour is now doing the same for coaching. Coaches who strategically use humour are already seeing the benefits and gaining a significant edge.

The first step to strategic humour in coaching

You might be thinking: “Sure, but what if it goes wrong?” Fair question. Humour, like any other skill, requires practice and finesse. The goal isn’t to become a comedian but to use humour as a tool.

With humour, you can:

• Break down barriers quickly.
• Offer new perspectives.
• Create ‘aha’ moments that stick.
• Tackle heavy topics with lightness while maintaining depth.

Start small. A relatable comparison or a light joke can make all the difference. For example, if a client feels overwhelmed by too many tasks, you might say, “Let’s set some priorities. And no, ‘everything at once’ isn’t an option – not even for a multitasking ninja.” This eases the pressure and makes the topic approachable.

More impact through the power of humour

Coaching is about movement and growth. Humour can make that process both lighter and more powerful. Maybe it’s time to stop avoiding humor and instead use it as a strategic tool.

Practical tip: Try using a playful metaphor. For example, “We’re not trying to climb the whole mountain in one go; let’s start with a nice hike to the first hilltop.” This adds lightness to the conversation without losing focus on the goal.

Because, let’s face it, in a world full of challenges, couldn’t we all use a little more lightness?

Our partner Karyn Buxman, Neurohumorist, Speaker Hall of Fame , neuroleadership coach will lead the sessions.

Want to discover how humour can strengthen your coaching practice? Sign up for Strategic Humour! 

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