How to Answer: Do you ever use your sense of humor to diffuse a situation at work?
11. Do you ever use your sense of humor to diffuse a situation at work?
What You Need to Know
The interviewer wants to know that you can diffuse a tense situation if needed. They also want to see a bit more of your personality! Stress and fast-paced work environments can cause people to feel overwhelmed and sometimes even angry or upset. Think of a time when you took a much more lighthearted approach to diffuse a tense situation.
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Answer Example
"I recall a day last month when our team focused on solving a serious technical error with our system. It got to the point where a few members of the team were so frustrated they were getting angry with each other. I stepped out to grab some coffees from the shop next door. When I returned, I said 'Hot coffee to make us all feel warm and fuzzy again!' Everyone laughed and took a break from what they were doing."
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Admin Example
"Humor is one of those universal things to which everyone can relate. When used properly, it can help bridge a gap or bond a relationship. I use it, with good taste and professionalism, often in my communication. It is important to enjoy what you do, and humor is a big component of that."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Sales Example
"I have been at far too many awkward dinner parties with a family who are veiled enemies, so from a young age, I learned to diffuse a tense situation with humor and grace, and look to find commonalities between the two sides. Humor is a skill I have brought to the office countless times. One time in particular that stands out was at a company retreat, and we were prepping in our teams for our pitch. Everyone was stressed and getting short, pointing fingers and blaming the other groups of the team and overall just being unproductive and rude. Another team member and I sneaked out into the hall and came back with La Croix for the team, which is kind of a company inside joke. We shoved them across the table and said "Peace offering! Choosing your flavor is the only thing that should be cutthroat for the rest of the day!" People smiled and took a moment to chill, and we all were able to move on without conflict."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Retail Example
"I would say that I use my sense of humor often at work, poking fun in friendly ways. A bit of good sarcasm does seem to make things a bit lighter and more fun on the floor. A lighter-hearted mentality allows everyone to shake off whatever is bringing us down and move on to the next issue to tackle."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Marketing Example
"I use my humor at work, both with co-workers and in my work product itself. I like to bring a bit of spice and humor into the copy I create, when appropriate, which I believe fits in quite well with many clients' brand voice. I look forward to showing you more of what I've got!"
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Teacher Example
"My students love humor, albeit, their brand is not always appropriate for the classroom! If a lesson plan is getting too tense, I will tell a funny joke, read an entertaining story, or have a kid tell me a joke. I think that humor plays an important part in the classroom."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
Manager Example
"Humor can be a great tool, and it can also be a harmful one. For that reason, I make sure to fully gauge my teammate or superior before I begin cracking jokes. I do appreciate a clean sense of humor in the workplace from time to time. Not everything can be serious. In the event of a serious situation; however, I am more likely to remain on the serious side."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 5th, 2020
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An example of a time that humor helped diffuse a situation at work was when I was dispatched to an unruly individual with mental health issues. I was able to develop a rapport with the individual and was able to successfully get him to calm down. I was able to joke with the individual and their caretaker noticed a great change in his attitude. The caretaker advised that police assistance was no longer needed and thanked me for talking down their patient."
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