There’s a saying in improvisation that a scene is not about things, it’s about relationships. New research suggests the same can be said for humor between a supervisor and a subordinate in the workplace.

“Generally, people think that positive humor, which is inclusive, affiliative, and tasteful, is good in leadership, and negative humor, which is aggressive and offensive, is bad,” said Christopher Robert, associate professor in the management department of the University of Missouri’s Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business. “In our study, we found the effects of humor depend on the relationship between leaders and subordinates. Specifically, both positive and negative humor use by leaders is positively related to their subordinates’ job satisfaction when the relationship between the leader and subordinates is good.

“However, when the leader-subordinate relationship is bad, both negative and positive types of humor are associated with lower job satisfaction—in other words, for leaders, sometimes good humor has bad effects and bad humor has good effects on subordinates.”

Robert and colleagues tested the theory by analyzing questionnaire responses from 70 leaders and 241 subordinates in 54 organizations.

“The findings suggest that if leaders wish to integrate humor into their interactions with subordinates, they should first assess whether or not their subordinates are likely to interpret their humorous overtures positively,” Robert said. “If a good relationship between the leader and the subordinate exists, then humor—be it positive or negative in tone—will only help to maintain the good relationship.”

These findings may have implications for supervisors’ strategic use of humor, Robert said.

“Instead of using humor to build relationships, leaders should work to build strong relationships through other means such as through clear communication, fair treatment, and providing clear and useful feedback,” Robert said. “Humor then can be used to maintain those strong relationships.”

(Image: Reddit. Story source: Jeff Sossamon from the University of Missouri)

Launched in August 2015 at VenueConnect in Baltimore, IAVM’s new certification, the Certified Venue Professional (CVP), recognizes the competence of middle to senior level managers of public assembly venues as well as assisting the managers in creating a professional road map in the venue industry.

If you haven’t yet reviewed the materials on our website, please take a moment to complete the “CVP Checklist” to ascertain if you have earned the 100 points needed to apply and start the formal process.

Mark your calendars for Nov. 4, 2015 at 3 p.m. (ET) and register for the “How to Become a CVP” webinar. Ask the experts questions about the certification and the process.

The CVP designation says three important things about an individual: he or she is a capable professional, is committed to the industry, and is pledged to continued professional growth and development. Venue professionals who earn the CVP designation are recognized, by those inside and outside the industry, as skilled in their profession.

Now’s the time to take the step and join the elite group of men and women to receive their Certified Venue Professional designation! Remember – Applications and references are due no later than Dec. 1, 2015.

Don’t delay, apply today. Make 2016 the year that you earn one of the first CVPs!

Sacramento Republic FC currently plays in the United Soccer League, a minor league that would be comparable to AA baseball but the organization believes they are #BuiltForMLS. With attendance numbers over 10,000 on average, Sacramento is strongly pursuing an expansion franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS) as early as 2018 with a new downtown stadium.

With the support of Mayor Kevin Johnson and other city leaders, Sacramento FC recently released its “Critical Mass Report,” a new analysis of the estimated economic impact of the development of a new MLS stadium in downtown Sacramento. You can view the report here.

“The ‘Critical Mass Report’ makes clear that the significant private sector investment led by the Sac Soccer and Entertainment Holdings will accelerate the revitalization of downtown Sacramento by generating over $1 billion economic development over a 30 year period,” said Cathy Dominico, managing partner at the Capitol Public Finance Group.

With a strong campaign and private investments, I more than believe Sacramento is #BuiltForMLS as well.

(Images: Sacramento Republic FC)

You’re going to love these festivals if you’re a country fan.

Next Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29, 2016), Daytona International Speedway will play host to the inaugural Country 500 music festival. Set to perform are Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson, and more. Tickets go on sale November 3.

“We’re proud to develop this new partnership with AEG Live and Festival Productions Inc. – New Orleans and bring the Country 500 music festival to Daytona International Speedway,” Track President Joie Chitwood III said. “Signature events such as the DAYTONA 500 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona have made DIS the ‘World Center of Racing’ but by securing this marquee music festival with an amazing lineup of artists, we will also be known as the ‘World Center of Entertainment.”

The acts will perform on stages specially designed and built for the festival, and the event will take place on the infield of the speedway. Fans can camp out in the infield, too. And yes, there will be meet-and-greets throughout pit road and in the garages.

The other country music festival, Dega Jam, will take place July 1-3, 2016, at  Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Acts will be announced on October 25. Festival fans will also be allowed to camp out in the infield and have the opportunity to meet their favorite artists.

(Image: Facebook)

You may have taken the first step in the process toward becoming a CFE by attending the “How to Become a Certified Facilities Executive (CFE)” webinar on September 24, 2015, by completing the “CFE Checklist” to ascertain if you had earned the 300 points needed to make application and start the formal process, or perhaps this is the first time you have considered pursuing certification.

Now’s the time to take the second step and join that group of your peers who have reached the pinnacle of achievement with IAVM by becoming Certified Facilities Executives. Remember – Applications and three written references are due no later than Nov. 1, 2015.

The written essay is due by February 1, 2016 – allowing you extra time to enjoy the holidays and end of the year activities.

Don’t delay, apply today. Make 2016 the year that you earn your CFE!