How important is it for a manager to have a sense of humor? Sixty five percent of people asked in a recent poll answered “very important,” while 32 percent answered "somewhat important." The survey, conducted by staffing firm Robert Half International, also revealed that most workers (87 percent) rated their managers as having good senses of humor.

Max Messmer, chairman and chief executive of RHI, said the survey underscores that humor can make a boss seem more approachable but it's not a license to be a clown. "To be taken seriously, supervisors must balance their desire to keep the mood light with the need to accomplish business objectives, inspire great performance, and maintain professionalism," Messmer said.

For bosses who want to flex their humor muscles more, Liz Bywater, president of Bywater Consulting Group, a Philadelphia-area firm focused on organization performance, suggests the following guidelines: Do not make jokes about anyone's physical appearance. Do not attempt humor that could be construed as sexist or racist, even if it's not intended as such. If you've got a direct report who is particularly sensitive or has no sense of humor, it's best to play it straight.