Why a Sense of Humour Is an Essential Trait for Every School Leader

If you think school leadership is all about policies, meetings, and managing a never-ending stream of “urgent” emails, think again. One underrated superpower makes a school leader instantly more effective, approachable, and resilient: a good sense of humour.

Yes, humour. The same thing that helps you survive staff meetings that could’ve been emails.

Let’s dive into why humour matters—and how you can use it wisely in a school environment.

1. Humour builds instant connection

A leader who laughs with people (not at people!) creates a warm, safe environment. Teachers feel comfortable sharing concerns, students feel less intimidated, and parents find conversations easier.

Why it works: Humour reduces social distance and puts everyone on the same team. And when people feel connected, they’re far more willing to collaborate.

Try this:

• Start meetings with a light-hearted anecdote (maybe not jokes from WhatsApp forwards, please).

• Use gentle humour to ease tension during stressful discussions.

2. It reduces stress—for everyone

Schools come with pressure: curriculum deadlines, inspections, parent expectations, and that mysterious printer that jams only during exam week.

A leader with humour helps people breathe again.

Why it works:Humour is scientifically proven to reduce cortisol levels. When the leader stays calm and funny, the whole team mirrors that energy.

Try this:

• When faced with chaos, say something like: “Well, at least no one set off the fire alarm today. Progress!”

• Add a “Smiles Corner” on the staff noticeboard with memes or funny classroom moments.

3. Humour boosts creativity and problem-solving

A tense mind shuts down. A relaxed mind opens up.

Humour instills psychological safety—teachers feel comfortable suggesting new ideas without fear of being judged.

Why it works:Humour encourages divergent thinking and helps teams break out of rigid patterns.

Try this:

• Open brainstorming sessions with a fun challenge:“Think of the most ridiculous solution to this problem first. Then let’s find the real one.”

4. Humour strengthens leadership presence

No one wants a leader who is robotic, serious 24/7, or looks like they were carved out of granite.A leader with humour appears human, relatable, and emotionally intelligent.

Why it works:People follow leaders they like. Humour adds warmth to authority.

Try this:

• Show small moments of vulnerability:“Yesterday I tried to open the locked hall door for 10 minutes before realising I didn’t have the keys. Leadership, right?”

5. Humour improves communication

Serious messages don’t always have to be delivered with a gloomy tone. A sprinkle of humour can help the message land without resistance.

Why it works:Humour increases attention span and memory. People remember what made them smile.

Try this:

• Use humour in reminders:“Please submit your exam papers by 3 PM. Yes, I'm talking to You-Know-Who.”

But… Humour Must Be Used Carefully

Humour is powerful—but only if used ethically.

Avoid:

• Sarcasm that could hurt feelings

• Humour targeting individuals or sensitive topics

• Jokes during serious emotional moments

Humour should uplift, never embarrass.

Action Plan for School Leaders (Use This Tomorrow!)

1. Add a light moment in your next staff meeting

A short story, a meme, or a classroom blooper instantly warms the room.

2. Build a “Positive Culture Ritual”

Example: Every Friday, share the funniest safe classroom moment of the week.

3. Model stress management with humour

Let staff see you handle tough situations with grace and a smile.

4. Use humour as a communication tool

Craft messages with a friendly tone instead of strict, heavy language.

5. Encourage humour in classrooms

Tell teachers it’s okay to laugh with students—learning becomes memorable and joyful.

Final Thought

A school leader with a good sense of humour doesn’t just create a happier school—they create a healthier, more productive, more collaborative environment.

Humour is not about being a comedian. It’s about being human—and helping others feel human too.

After all, schools are places of learning, growing, and sometimes… laughing at ourselves.