The story is told about a leader who made light of the crisis that his
organization was going through. So, he would make jokes about shutting down the
organization which he leads and the lives of his people after they become
jobless. To one male subordinate he said, “You will become a villain in a movie
because you have a face that only your mother can love.” To another female
subordinate he said, “You will become a nightclub bouncer because you are built
like a male even if you’re a female.” His subordinates did not buy his jokes
they simply smirked and left him.
It’s not right for a leader to joke with his subordinates while
exercising his leadership function. And it’s not right also to make jokes while
the organization is in crisis mode. However, there are leaders and managers who
cannot help but make jokes at the expense of their direct reports and subordinates
even if the situation doesn’t warrant it. They sadistically love it when their people
laugh at their jokes.
This is quite fun in the short run but as the leader does this every so
often this becomes ineffective and insulting already. Until it reaches a point
that the leader/manager is not being respected anymore and he himself becomes a
joke to his direct reports and subordinates.
Does this mean that a leader should not joke with his direct reports and
subordinates? Not really, because it’s OK for a leader/manager to banter with
his people but he must see to it that this is done in the proper environment.
For example, during activities not confined to official working hours wherein
the leader/manager becomes just one of the guys.
In this instance he can freely exchange jokes for so long as he
wants. It makes him more human and more approachable when he does that. It
breaks the unseen barrier that separates his position from his direct reports
and subordinates. And this also solidifies their team spirit.
It’s not actually bad to tell a joke for the sake of hilarity provided
that this is done in the most appropriate situation. And provided that the
jokes will not infringe on our honor, office and integrity and the honor and
integrity of our direct reports and subordinates as well. - Marino J.
Dasmarinas
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