The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up - Hardcover

Gostick, Adrian; Christopher, Scott

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0470195886 ISBN 13: 9780470195888

Publisher: Wiley, 2008

Synopsis

The Levity Effect uses serious science to reveal the remarkable power of humor and fun in business. Science proves it?fun is good for business! Based on ten years of extensive research, the authors argue against business tradition to reveal the powerful bottom-line benefits of leading with levity. With interviews, exercises, and case studies, the book reveals how humor in the workplace will help you communicate messages, build camaraderie, and encourage creativity for a better workplace and bigger profits.

About this title

From the Inside Flap:

If you think work is no laughing matter, the joke's on you. The Levity Effect uses serious science to reveal the remarkable power of fun and humor in building a productive, engaged, and loyal workforce...and a more successful you.

If you doubt levity is good for business, consider this: lighthearted leaders earn more on average than their more dour peers; entertaining workplaces breed more loyal employees and happier customers; and employees who are considered humorous are vastly more likely to get promoted--especially to senior positions.

The benefits of the levity effect are built on extensive research and case studies from some of the world's most successful organizations. Bestselling author Adrian Gostick and humorist Scott Christopher provide powerful examples of leaders from Boeing, Nike, KPMG, Yamaha, Enterprise, Zappos, and dozens of others, all of which prove that lightening up leads to real business results.

The Levity Effect also presents extensive research into the subject--including compelling data from the Great Place to Work(R) Institute's one million-member database--that cuts against the grain of traditional business thinking to reveal that great companies consistently earn significantly higher marks for fun.

The Levity Effect is for anyone who wants to build an engaging, productive work culture and a more successful career. With interviews, extensive research, and lighthearted insight, The Levity Effect turns traditional business thinking on its head to prove again and again that a fun and engaging workplace leads to better business, more focused employees, and satisfied customers.

From the Back Cover:

Praise for The Levity Effect

"What may be the most valuable business book of the year...The Levity Effect can change the way you look at corporate culture."
―Joe Calloway, author of Work Like You're Showing Off!

"Gostick and Christopher entertain us with humorous anecdotes and educate us with research, evidence, real-life examples, and practical applications."
―Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge

"I absolutely loved this book. Levity is common sense that is uncommonly practiced."
―Stephan Mardyks, President, International, Franklin Covey

"The message of The Levity Effect is much needed. The skills for using levity appropriately, and the benefits of doing so, are clearly explained in this enjoyable book."
―Mark Sanborn, author of The Fred Factor

"A book that proves the theory that you can work hard, reach impressive goals, and still have fun doing it. And told in a way that grabs you from page one."
―Eric J. Lange, Senior Vice President, The Nielsen Company

"Wow! The funniest, most original business book in ages. With persuasive research and case studies from the least likely businesses."
―Chester Elton, coauthor of The Invisible Employee

About this edition

• Publisher: Wiley
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0470195886
• ISBN 13: 9780470195888
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 229