This webinar was held on November 6, 2025.
As a court leader, it’s quite easy to get a laugh – your title will virtually guarantee it! Humor and laughter are essential parts of being human. Scientists theorize that laughter evolved as a way to create and maintain social bonds more quickly by encouraging cooperation and strong relationships between members of a group. When used wisely and correctly in an organizational setting, it offers numerous benefits for both leaders and those they lead.
Interestingly, there has been substantial research on using humor in the workplace to motivate, reduce stress, build more authentic connections (i.e. develop trust), and increase performance. You don’t have to be charismatic or have a repertoire of ready jokes or stories for different situations. You merely need to know more about how to effectively weave humor into your leadership interactions.
During this 60-minute webinar, we look at how you as a court leader can use humor with intention, mine your own life for material, and keep it appropriate. Everyone is funny in their own way and can perfect their sense of humor and learn to deploy it more effectively in strategic ways to help strengthen relationships, unlock creativity in others, and boost resilience in difficult times. When used well, it’s a secret weapon in creating a more pleasant, constructive trial court. Research shows people appreciate almost any kind of levity, provided it is not hurtful or offensive. It’s not hard to stay on the right side of that line.
Presenters
- Hon. Kevin S. Burke (ret.), Chief Judge; Justice System Consultant
Fourth Judicial District of Minnesota in Hennepin County (Minneapolis) - Hon. Pamela Pryor Dembe (ret.), President Judge, NAPCO Board Member
First Judicial Circuit of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) - Gordon Griller, NAPCO Board Member
Former Minnesota / Arizona Trial Court Executive and NCSC Consultant
Documents
- ARTICLE: The Neuroscience of Laughter (PDF)
- Speaker Resumes (PDF)
- Slides (PDF)
- Flyer (PDF)