Does Humor have a place at Work? Can it be a problem solver?

At work, getting your message across with humor is not always possible.
If the situation or the issue allows, it might be more productive for all parties though.
Can it help get your point across better while defusing the tension?

We have all walked into meetings that ended being monster de-motivators because one of the actors let the 'genie' out of the box and all her/his frustations washed over the others like a bad oil spill.

Sometimes the issues that led to this eruption have no connection with the attendees.

Kills the spirit!

When possible addressing the issue at hand in a humorous way might accomplish more, leave a better taste in your mouth, earn you some respect and as a side benefit will not hurt your health.

No Monday afternoon quarterbacking, a short Monday Work Etiquette #16

Last week bit: Negotiating Skills: 'You don’t get rich by paying what they ask' says Sathnam Sanghera

Related: Jerks at Work...How not to become one and How to survive them...By Bob Sutton