Shtick to Business

About the Author

Peter McGraw is a behavioral economist and global expert in the scientific study of humor. He directs The Humor Research Lab (HuRL), hosts the podcast I’M NOT JOKING, and is the co-author of The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny. McGraw’s work has been covered by major publications like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, NPR, and CNN. He is a sought-after speaker and professor who teaches MBA courses at the University of Colorado Boulder, University of California San Diego, and London Business School. His book, Shtick to Business: What the Masters of Comedy Can Teach You About Breaking Rules, Being Fearless, and Building a Serious Career, offers insights from the world of comedy to enhance business practices.

Main Idea

Shtick to Business by Peter McGraw explores how principles and techniques from the world of comedy can be applied to business to foster innovation, leadership, and success. The book emphasizes thinking differently, taking risks, and leveraging humor to outsmart competitors and achieve professional goals. McGraw draws on his expertise in humor research and his experiences in comedy to reveal strategies that can transform business practices and personal development.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Reverse It
3. Act Out: Not One, Not Two, Three
4. Step Out of the Stream
5. Act Out: Third Thoughts
6. Create a Chasm
7. Act Out: An Audience of One
8. Cooperate to Innovate
9. Act Out: Success by 1,000 Cuts
10. Write It or Regret It
11. Act Out: Start Strong, End Stronger
12. Work Hard or Hardly Work
13. Act Out: Turn Down the Lights
14. Take a Bigger Stage
15. Act Out: Getting from Yes to No
16. Conclusion

Introduction

McGraw introduces the concept that while humor might not directly solve professional problems, thinking like a comedian can. He emphasizes that this book is about breaking rules, being fearless, and thinking creatively. He encourages readers to embrace a mindset shift from conventional to innovative thinking.

“It’s not about being funny. It’s about thinking funny.” - Peter McGraw

Reverse It

Reversals in comedy can lead to better premises and punchlines. Similarly, in business, reversing the status quo can yield innovative solutions. McGraw encourages readers to challenge existing norms and think differently to solve problems.

“In business, as in comedy, we can only achieve the payoff when we let go of the status quo.” - Peter McGraw

• Identify a common problem in your industry and propose an opposite solution.
• Challenge traditional business models by introducing unconventional methods.

Act Out: Not One, Not Two, Three

McGraw highlights the power of threes in comedy and business. Three-part structures are effective in communication and persuasion. He suggests using three compelling reasons when making requests or proposals.