Leadership is no laughing matter. But what if it were? As a manager of business
intelligence and someone who has been in the healthcare industry for over 16 years, Bill
Stewart was searching to expand his knowledge and discover more of his own potential. He
found the HDO Master’s program as an opportunity for self-development, a way to dig deeper
into the complexities of human dynamics. And while he was learning to understand people and
their behaviors within organizational contexts better, he was surprised to find that humor could
very well be the medicine that can cure ailing teams.
Discovering the Power of Humor in Leadership
Bill’s journey began with a simple question: What makes a truly effective leader? Initially
drawn to exploring organizational culture and its impact on performance, Bill found himself at a
crossroads when selecting his capstone project. It was during a moment of self-reflection,
amidst the pressures of decision-making, that the idea of humor in leadership struck him. As he
recalls, “I just started laughing at myself…and then it just kind of hit me: What about humor?”
This revelation led Bill to challenge conventional notions of leadership. His capstone
project on humor in leadership explores why organizations, and, specifically, leaders who want
to be successful in leading inclusive, high-performing, and psychologically safe teams, should
understand the value of humor. Within this context, he compared types of humor (self-
enhancing versus self-defeating, for instance), and how these types can affect psychological
safety and happiness—in both positive and negative ways.
It became a journey of self-discovery, blending personal experiences with academic
inquiry to uncover the intrinsic role of humor in fostering engagement, inclusivity, and effective
communication.
In his current role, Bill’s ability to integrate humor into his leadership style helps him
navigate complex organizational issues, fostering a culture of open communication and trust.
He believes that humor can break down barriers, making it easier to address difficult topics and
encourage team members to share their thoughts and concerns.
Navigating Challenges with Flexibility and Support
One of the hallmarks of the HDO program is its flexibility, offering weekend classes and
remote learning options to accommodate students’ diverse schedules and circumstances. This
allowed Bill to balance his professional responsibilities seamlessly.
“The weekends were great for me because I didn’t have to adjust my work schedule
much… At one point, I was able to take meetings up until class started,” he explains.
Additionally, the remote learning option was crucial during a particularly challenging
time and going to class in person was not ideal. The program’s support for the online
participants ensured that he never felt left out. “The cohort was super inclusive and kept an eye
out for the people dialing in remotely,” he notes, highlighting the program’s commitment to
creating a welcoming environment and ensuring accessibility.
Faculty Impact and Reflection
Throughout his journey, Bill acknowledges the profound impact of the program’s faculty
on his development as a leader. In particular, he recalls a moment of introspection sparked by
Dr. Rebecca North, an HDO faculty member, researcher and author.
“She posed the question, ‘What have you unlearned?’…It really drew me to reflect on
my own experiences and challenged me to reevaluate my assumptions about leadership,” Bill
reflects.
North’s assignments, such as writing about the unknown from the perspective of his
employees, provided invaluable insights into his team’s needs and concerns. The exercises
highlighted the practical relevance of the coursework to Bill’s professional journey.
“While leading through uncertainty, I’ve realized we need to talk about meaning and
experiences. It’s not just about setting goals and achieving them; it’s about asking, ‘How are you
doing?’ and being personable with the team.”
Cultivating Lifelong Connections and Continued Learning
Beyond the classroom, the HDO program fosters a strong sense of community among its
alumni, providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and ongoing learning. Bill
emphasizes the impact of these connections, stating, “The networking side of it is tremendous.”
He adds that the diverse perspectives of the community have contributed to his continuous
learning. “It helps you understand that there’s a different way of looking at things that are
happening in your organization or on your team or even for yourself.”
Looking ahead, Bill envisions a future where alumni continue to engage in meaningful
dialogue and shared learning experiences. From book clubs to collaborative projects, the HDO
community remains committed to nurturing personal and professional growth and
relationships long after graduation.
As prospective students consider their educational pathways, Bill emphasizes the
importance of not assuming you know everything and the value of sharing your own
experiences and stories. Even experiences you consider trivial may be unique and valuable to
others, sparking curiosity and questions. Embracing humility, openness, and a willingness to
learn, students can unlock the full potential of their educational journey, gaining valuable
insights and forging lifelong connections along the way.