| Inspiring Workplaces |
ISSUE 994 - Oct. 25, 2023 |
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The Fine Art of Medium Talk |
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In an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, curmudgeonly Larry David told his friend, "I'm trying to elevate small talk to medium talk."
He was, of course, being his usual wise acre self, but according to studies in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Larry David's goal is one we should all aspire to. A series of studies found that when people imagine ahead of time the potential awkwardness of having a deeper conversation with a stranger, the more actually having that conversation helped them bond with the other person and the more it
helped them like the other person.
The study also found that more emotionally intelligent people understand that not only will they be happier, but the people they are speaking with will be happier if they engage in a more meaningful conversation.
This doesn't mean you want to open a conversation with a new colleague or customer by asking them "Why do you think we exist?", but aiming for Larry David's goal of medium talk is a good start. So, to build a quicker bond with new people try these medium-sized questions:
"What do you love doing in your off hours?"
"What's your favorite part of your job?"
"If you had a magic wand, what would you change about your job?"
"What celebrity or superhero would have the greatest impact on your workplace if they worked on your team?"
"What's your biggest goal you are working on right now?"
"If you had your own personal theme song, what would it be and why?"
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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Douglas Penticton here with another alter ego name formula to use at a meeting. Or you could have everyone wear a name tag on a Friday proudly displaying their "soap opera name" using this formula: Your middle name + the name of the city you were born in.
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Groaner of of the Week |
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I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian.
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Funny Business |
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Yes, official Manatee Awareness Month is right around the corner! I know! The November theme days are up on the website, featuring such notables as:
November 1: International Stress Awareness Day
November 4: Pumpkin Destruction Day
November 6: Fill Our Staplers Day
November 8: Air and Abet Punsters Day
November 13: World Kindness Day
November 14: Loosen Up and Lighten Up Day
November 18: Married to a Scorpio Support Day
November 20: Name Your PC Day
November 24: Random Acts of Kindness Friday
November 25: Small Business Saturday
November 30: Stay Home Because You're Well Day!
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Cost-Saving Opportunities to
Book Michael
Kelowna/Penticton: Various dates through to the end of November
Toronto: November 9,10
Vancouver: Nov. 13-17
Ottawa: November 18-24
Quebec City: Dec 8-15
Vancouver: January 10-16
New York City: February 1-12
"Michael Kerr's presentation was the best of I've seen in my 40 years in business." Rodney Meadows, Director, East Alabama Home Medical
How to Be a Culture Leader: What Culture Leaders Do to Create Inspiring, Compassionate Workplace Cultures That Drive Results
This online membership site/course includes 12 video-based modules, 5 eBooks, and all the resources you need to help you and your team build an inspiring workplace culture that works for everyone. Great deals for bulk signups!
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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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