| Inspiring Workplaces |
ISSUE 962 - Mar. 8, 2023 |
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Embracing Those Awkward Moments |
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If you ever find yourself in awkward situations at work, or just feel "awkward" sometimes, please know that you're not alone. It's called being human! Trust me, as an experienced pro when it comes to awkward moments, it's not a question of if, but when will the next awkward moment bumble its
way into our lives?
The delightful book, Cringeworthy: A Theory of Awkwardness by Melissa Dahl, reminds us that not only are awkward moments normal, when we lean into them we make actually learn something about ourselves.
Here are a few takeaways from the book:
- Usually (though not ALWAYS), the best approach to deal with what you feel is going to be an awkward situation or conversation at work is to tackle the situation directly. The longer you wait, the more awkward things will get.
- When you cringe at someone else's awkward moment, that's likely a good thing. It shows that you're a human capable of empathy.
- It can be natural to laugh at someone else's awkward situation - but hopefully you aren't laughing at them, but rather with them because you recognize that could be you!
- Like anything else, the more you do things that you perceive as awkward for you (such as networking at event where you don't know anyone or getting off on the wrong floor of an elevator) the less awkward they will feel over time.
- Learning to embrace ambiguity and uncertainty and keeping a curious and learning mindset helps minimize awkward feelings associated with awkwardness.
- The best strategy for dealing with awkwardness: Find the humor in it and remember to laugh - especially at yourself! One recovery line I often use when something awkward happens is this: "One day we're going to look back on this, laugh awkwardly, and then quickly change the subject."
And yes, March 18 is official Awkward Moments Day - so be bold and plan now for some awkward moments! (If you want to create one yourself, step into an elevator where people are already aboard...and don't turn around. I've done this for a laugh a few times and it's amazing to see how nervous some people get!)
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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Tomorrow is Name Tag Day and March 10th is Middle Name Pride Day, so hold a theme day where everyone wears a "Hello My Name Is" name tag introducing themselves with their middle name. And if you don't have a middle name, you get to make one up! (Even though many people assume that "Danger" is my middle name, it's actually Douglas. Yes,
I'm Michael Douglas.)
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Quote of the Week |
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"Do what you do well, all the time, and you can’t help but build momentum for your business.” Jennifer Buchanan
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Funny Business |
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As seen on a sign at a train station:
Stay Off The Tracks.
The Tracks Are For Trains Only.
If You Can Read This You Are Not A Train!
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Wanted: Audiences In Need of Inspiring Ideas! Respond to this email to find out how Michael can energize your workplace!
“Hello ‘Mr. Energy!’ Our leadership gang so enjoyed and benefited from your presentation delivered with animation, excitement and positivity. You have SO many ‘pearls of wisdom’ accompanying your finely tuned humor!” Roger Keeley, Corporate Director of Marketing, Atlantic Packaging
Ready to Ramp Up Your Workplace Culture?
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| Follow Michael Kerr - The Workplace Energizer! |
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Copyright © 2023 Michael Kerr. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
Suite #644, 104-743 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB, T1W 1P2 |
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