SHAPE Values: Humour
If you missed the first post in this series, I’m exploring the five values that shape my work and, I believe, shape real performance and growth. Today, let’s talk about a value that doesn’t always get the spotlight: humour.
This one might surprise people, but I genuinely think humour is one of the most underrated tools in performance (and life). I don’t mean cracking jokes when things are falling apart (although sometimes, that helps too). It’s more about being able to find some lightness, even when things are tough. If you can laugh-even just a little-at the absurdity of pressure or the weird rituals we all have before a big event, it takes the edge off.
There’s actually good evidence for this: humour, when used well, can reduce stress, help us bounce back from setbacks, and even make learning stickier. In teams, shared laughter is often a sign of trust and cohesion. If you see a group that can laugh together (especially at themselves), chances are they’re pulling in the same direction. When we work together, I’ll encourage you to bring your sense of humour along. Sometimes it’s the thing that gets us through the sticky bits.
Want to explore how humour can help you perform, recover, or just enjoy the journey a bit more? Drop me a message or let’s have a chat about how it fits into your goals.