(Out-of-Print Classic) 7 Humor Techniques for Successful Leaders

CHAPTER 01 — Humor Leads Me to Leadership

1. Humor Is the Source of Persuasiveness

There is a famous anecdote about Chung Ju-yung, founder of South Korea's leading conglomerate, the Hyundai Group, from the days when he was scrambling to raise capital to launch his shipbuilding business. He had to persuade the deputy chairman of Barclays Bank in Britain to grant a huge investment, and had he failed then, the Hyundai Group of today might not exist. Chairman Chung, who had gone no further than primary school, let alone university, deflected the sharp questions thrown at him with well-timed humor. The negotiation ended successfully and became the cornerstone of the Hyundai (HYUNDAI) legend.

Deputy Chairman: What is your major?

Chairman Chung: (to himself) Man, what major could there be in primary school?

Deputy Chairman: I asked what your major was. Mechanical engineering? Or business administration?

Chairman Chung: Hmm... Have you read my business plan?

Deputy Chairman: Of course.

Chairman Chung: My major is that very Hyundai Shipbuilding business plan.

Deputy Chairman: What? (Everyone bursts into laughter)

Chairman Chung: (on pins and needles)

Deputy Chairman: Your major is humor, I see. I will send your humor and your business plan together to the export insurance agency.

Humor is, beyond doubt, one of the virtues a successful leader must possess.