The modern workplace has always been a source of comedy for decades, though very few people are willing to openly admit it. Many executives believe that humor and laughter are unproductive or unprofessional, and that being serious and gloomy is the only respectable way to spend their work life. As a result, most modern offices have become extremely humorless, artificial, and stressful places.

But we don’t have to be humorless to run a business. In fact, the ability to laugh at yourself and your work is one of the true qualities of great and successful leaders. A good sense of humor can defuse tension, lighten difficult situations, and even help solve complex personal and business problems creatively. To do that, you must be willing to think in atrocious, ridiculous, and illogical ways. Modern management consultants like to call this “thinking out of the box,” but I prefer to call it old-fashioned creativity and humor—something that has existed for centuries.

Top Secret Business Humor is a collection of witty satire inspired by the corporate jungle—its processes, performances, strategies, customer obsessions, endless meetings, quality crusades, and the daily dramas we endure for several hours a day. This book invites you to explore the creative and wackier side of office life—to laugh, to reflect, and to rejuvenate your day.

All chapters are entirely fictitious and best taken with a pinch of salt (though the paper may not be edible). The author makes no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, usability, or usefulness of the contents.

So, go ahead—get serious about adding some humor to your life.