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| Humor at Work |
ISSUE 543 - Jun 18, 2014 |
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It's Not Just What You Say, It's When You Say It
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Last week I reminded you that it's not just what you say, it's how you say things that matter. But what about when you say things? Are you considering when the most effective time is to communicate an important message to your boss, colleagues, employees or clients? A few thoughts to ponder. . .
- If you're making a pitch to someone or trying to have a serious conversation with them, are you timing the conversation for when the person is going to be most receptive? Trying to talk to someone on their way out the door on a Friday afternoon or before they've had their first cup of coffee might not be the most effective approach. Make it a regular practice to ask people if it's the best possible time to talk before sitting down.
- If you're a leader, consider setting regular open office hours each week, where everyone knows you'll be available and that they'll have 100% of your attention during those hours.
- Positive feedback ought to come with an expiry date - if you've got some positive praise to pass along, don't wait for the moment to pass!
- If you need to clear the air with someone and discuss a difficult situation make sure you leave enough time that you have cooled off and can approach them in a rational manner (in other words, put down the stapler and sleep on it), but act on it quickly enough so that it doesn't balloon into something bigger and so that you're not dumping on someone for something they did seven years ago!
- If you are on the receiving end of a conversation, be up front about the timing - if it's not the best time for you then reschedule it for when you know you can give your full and undivided attention.
- Finally, since timing is also everything in comedy. . .if you are going to try out a new joke, be sure to tell the joke near the middle of the month...on a sunny day...at 6:03 p.m., when, according to research from Dr. Richard Wiseman's Laugh Lab, people are the most likely to laugh at your joke.
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Mike's Fun at Work Tip |
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A simple, great tip courtesy of Ruth MacDonald, from beautiful Nova Scotia: her company Vemco has a "Brag Board" where employees write down public kudos for fellow employees for everyone to see, and she says it works fabulously. A few companies also use an on-line version of a Brag Board, where people can post thanks and accolades for everyone in the company (and often the customers) to view. |
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Quote of the Week |
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"If you are working in a company that is
not enthusiastic, energetic, creative, clever, curious and just plain fun, you've got troubles, serious
troubles." Tom Peters |
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It's a Wacky World |
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Tomorrow, June 19, is official Recess at Work Day. Which sounds a tad wacky, but hey, that's the entire point! The day is meant to remind organizations of the mental health and wellness benefits of taking a 15 minute break to get up and about and play the way we did when we were kids. So check out how a few companies are getting serious about their recess programs: Dodge Ball Anyone? | |
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Cost Savings to Book Mike
"I need to see Mom!" special rate is still on. Discounts for presentations this August in Kelowna or Penticton, B.C.
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Copyright © 2014 Humor at Work. All Rights Reserved.
mike@mikekerr.com
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