That was when I noticed that a majority of high-profile speakers would tell some of the most awful jokes. Not dirty, just bad. Maybe they had been humorous once, but by now those tired stories had grown old, worn out and ready for a quiet room at the funny farm. The thing that confused me then was why a successful politician, a smart business leader or military commandant would ever think these jokes were funny. Now I think I know.
Bosses are by nature cautious and by choice insulated.
So when they hear or read a joke that they find amusing, they first try it out on a safe subject, like a secretary, a trusted adviser or the guy fixing the copier. Naturally, such listeners all give it high ratings as a real knee-slapper. Mr. Big then goes public with his prize. You can see him now, surprising the boys at the coffee machine like a lion startling gazelles at the water hole. Everyone tenses up, so the boss breaks the ice with his little joke and they all laugh like there's no tomorrow.