Inspiring Workplaces
The Way Work Ought to Be! |
ISSUE 1,019 - May 1, 2024 |
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Red Flags That Your Humor Might Be Crossing the Line |
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Someone recently asked me how they would know if their humor was crossing any lines at work, which got me pondering over what some of the red flags might be when it comes to inappropriate humor at work. (And just asking yourself this question may be a red flag!)
First though, I have a confession. I don't know where the dreaded humor line is. No one does. Even what you consider to be the most innocent humorous comment might be perceived by someone as offensive.
The proverbial humor line varies depending on your workplace culture and your relationship with the people you share your humor with. I typically, for example, advise people to avoid sarcasm at work. Sarcasm comes from the Greek "sarkasmos" which means to tear at flesh like a dog so it's not the most positive form of humor to use, especially with customers or colleagues you don't know well. But if you have a close relationship with someone at work then of course there are
times when you might be more sarcastic because the "sarchasm" - the gap between a sarcastic comment and someone understanding that it was sarcasm - will likely be very small.
So, here are a few humor line-crossing red flags:
- You find yourself looking around the room to see who's present before making a comment or joke.
- You add a qualifier before making your humorous comment: "I'm not racist/sexist/anti_____, but...".
- Your humor "punches down." There's a principle of comedy that you score more points punching up, rather than down. In the workplace this means, in theory, you can usually (emphasis on usually) get away with humor poking fun at the higher-ups, whereas managers making fun of their employees is considered punching down. It's far safer and more effective as a leader to turn the
punchline onto yourself.
- You see pained facial expressions on the people around you. Keep in mind you can't always just trust the laughter because people laugh for reasons other than they found your comment hilarious: to show they can take a joke; to fit in with the group; or to ingratiate themselves with their boss.
- Someone speaks to you about it later and shares that they didn't find it funny. If one person found it unfunny, are there others that just can't be bothered or are too afraid to speak up about it?
Now, there are other obvious signs, such as getting fired or colleagues throwing rotting fruit at you.These would be huge red flags in my books.
Having said all this however, as the author of the soon-to-be-made into a Broadway musical book, "The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses are Laughing All the Way to the Bank," of course I believe wholeheartedly in the power of humor to transform our workplaces. This is simply a reminder for all of us humanoids to be more compassionate at work and share humor that is well-meaning, that lifts people up instead of putting them down, and that makes the people around you
feel better than before you walked into the room.
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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A pharmacist at an event I was speaking to recently shared this fun at work idea: His employees have created a bingo card of all the most common phrases he uses as their manager, what they have called his "Ali-isms." Whenever an employee completely fills out the bingo card, Ali must buy coffee for everyone on his team.
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Deep Thought of the Week |
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A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
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Funny Business |
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As seen on a sign in the cheese section of a grocery store:
"SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF CHEESE
WHO AM I TO DIS A BRIE?
I CHEDDAR THE WORLD AND FETA CHEESE
EVERYBODY'S LOOKING FOR STILTON"
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Cost-Saving Opportunities to
Book Michael
Saskatoon: May 13-16
Toronto: Various dates in June
The Jerk-Free Workplace: How You Can Take The Lead to Create a Happier, More Inspiring Workplace Order your copy today! Or tomorrow!
How to Be An Inspiring Culture Leader: What Culture Leaders Do to Create Inspiring Workplace Cultures That Drive Extraordinary 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 © 2024 Michael Kerr. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
Suite #644, 104-743 Railway Avenue, Canmore, AB, T1W 1P2 |
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