Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Highly Humorous Leadership is full of stories and anecdotes that explore the benefits of humor in the workplace. The text works best when addressing the subtleties of humor and introducing real-world anecdotes.
Prose: When focused on his primary objective, Jacobson provides clear, concise and sound advice. And while the text's own humor can sometimes come across as forced, the author includes useful guidelines and practical workshop ideas that readers will find beneficial.
Originality: Jacobson's concept is highly unique; team leaders will find much to ponder about the uses of humor in creating positive and effective work environments.
Character/Execution: Jacobson is obviously a naturally entertaining and witty person, but not all of the humor lands. By doing so, Jacobson literally breaks his own rule of "not forcing the use of humor" ('if you try too hard to be funny, your humor will fall flat"). The book really comes into its own when he uses some pertinent anecdotes from his life to illustrate his arguments.
Date Submitted: December 12, 2023
