She’s Funny That Way: An Ode to the Humorous Nature of Women

Celebrity BFFs Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are some of the funniest in the industry (among so many other incredible female comedians). They can laugh at anything from motherhood, to their bodies, their costars, and each other. They’ve starred alongside each other in so many movies since their days on SNL and have made us belly laugh with each one. 

Aside from being badass in general, these two have each played high-ranking women. Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope on the comedy Parks and Rec was a bureaucrat in the Parks and Recreation sector of the State of Indiana and as the seasons progressed eventually became a councilwoman, head of National Parks, and (it was implied) President of the United States.  Leslie got to this point by making friends in the office and approaching everything with a sense of grace and humor. She can somehow make you shed tears of joy and laughter all at once; she’s funny that way.

Tina Fey’s Liz Lemon was also of huge success on her show 30 Rock. Liz was a head writer on NBC’s fictional The Girly Show (TGS). Liz continued to work in an industry flooded with men, and not only maintained women’s credibility on her show (example: after her lead actress gained substantial weight, she refused to make her lose it as well as refused to make jokes about it on TGS), but she did it in a completely authentic way – as well as a hilarious way. 

But, these are just characters. If only we could all let our humor loose and bring a little laughter to the corporate world.

Actually, we can, and should. 

According to Forbes, humor is essential to success at work. If you show your sense of humor, you’re showing you are human and that you don’t take yourself too seriously. Let’s be real, no one wants to work with the stick in the mud who only wants to get down to business. Having laughter in the workplace can help foster relationships between coworkers on a level that is deeper than the project they are working on together. A team of people who enjoy each other will produce better results than people who are simply there do the work and go home where they can be themselves. 

The two most important traits of a good leader? Strong work ethic and a good sense of humor. And let’s be real, there is no fun way you can thrive and grow at work without a sense of humor. Things don’t always go perfectly and eventually you have to be able to laugh at the situation, so it’s better to be yourself and laugh it off. 

Speaking of other humorous women, Lucille Ball was one of the funniest women in history. She was never afraid to be herself, and poke fun at herself. She helped pave the way for women. Long gone are the days of having to be a reserved woman. We certainly don’t have to hold in a witty comment when one comes to mind. 

So, here’s to you, all you strong, fearless, female leaders! Let your humor out! You will enjoy life more and hopefully, enjoy your work more. By letting others see the funny side of you, maybe it will encourage them to crack a joke or two. A laughing company is a happy company, and a happy company is a successful one.