Woody Allen recently signed on with Amazon to write and direct an original series for the online behemoth and commented on his new role in classic Woody Allen style:

“I have no ideas and I’m not sure where to begin,” the Oscar-winning director said in a statement. “My guess is that Roy Price will regret this,” he added, referring to the vice-president of Amazon Studios.

For anyone that’s ever seen an Allen picture, the comment is vintage Allen. He’s the king of self-deprecating humor – the art of undervaluing yourself.

photo credit: Fuzzy Gerdes via photopincc

Turns out this kind of humor is often found in great leaders.

Researchers at Seattle University recently studied the impact of humor in the workplace and how good leaders can inspire when they use the right brand of it. Undergraduate students were presented with a series of vignettes in which a company boss introduced a new project manager, Pat, to the team. All the intros were structured the same except when it came to the ending punchline.

The first story ended with the boss saying, “I am so glad that Pat took this job, despite knowing all about us!” The second ended with, “I am so glad that Pat took this job, despite knowing all about you!” The third ended, “I am so glad that Pat took this job, despite knowing all about me!”

Participants rated the boss in the third story–the self-deprecating boss–as a more likable, trustworthy, and caring leader.

Self-deprecating humor can make leaders more real and accessible, and minimizes status levels between leaders and followers.

Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has underlying insecurities about themselves and their abilities. Admitting them frankly – and funnily – can build better relationships. Being funny at the office works.