By John P. Imlay Jr. umor. One of the great management tools of the twentieth century. In MSA's race to succeed in the years after bankruptcy, I don't know if anything was more important for us than cultivating an ability to laugh in both good times and bad. The primary reason I use humor is to make a point. That's the essential thing about humor - its value as a teaching device.
People tend to remember stories that are couched in a joke.
Humor also is a great device to sell, to communicate, and to lessen tensions. It can be used to market products and to liberate creativity. It can help develop relationships with employees, customers, and just about everything else. It improves interaction among its practitioners. And according to some studies, it even increases wellness and prolongs life.