Inspiring Workplaces: First Impressions That Last

Published: Wed, 08/10/16

Humor at Work

ISSUE 641 - Aug 10, 2016


			First Impressions That Last

	This lemon-scented, 3D edition features another round of random musings and ideas... If you are dealing with lots of change at work, set up an expectation of failure. Not failure for the entire initiative, but for failure and setbacks along the way - remind yourself and others it's a normal part of the process to help take some of the pressure off people. When dealing with a setback, there's a huge difference between saying "Why did this happen to ME?" vs. taking an analytical approach and asking, "Why did this happen?" What can you do to surprise someone this month in a fun way? Construction worker Jason Haney from South Bend, Indiana built an 8-foot tall plywood cutout of Waldo (of "Where's Waldo?" fame) to hide in various places in a construction site located opposite a children's hospital. Once notified that the children have found Waldo, Haney moves Waldo to a new hiding spot. A study by Chris Robert at the University of Missouri found that employees with a good sense of humor were able to communicate more effectively with their boss and teammates and had a higher psychological connection to their organization. In a Fast Company magazine survey 72% of employees said their workplace was a place to be productive; 28% said their workplace was just a place for meetings. Are your meetings adding to or subtracting from your productivity? Say "cheese!" Smiling not only helps our bodies relax and helps us find things funnier, one study found it also reduces racial biases! First impressions last. In a study reported in the book Presence by Amy Cuddy, enthusiasm, passion, and confidence were found to be the three most important qualities for making a great first impression, in part because these qualities are harder to fake than other traits.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

If you want to grow your sense of humor and maintain a healthier attitude in the face of adversity, then be intentional about finding the funny in difficult situations. The next time something bad happens, force yourself to do the old: "The bad news is ____ but the GOOD news is ______." Challenge yourself to find 3 good and/or humorous things that might come out of any setback. If you do this consistently it will help you develop a growth mindset that's more resilient when dealing with change and setbacks.
		Quote of the Week

My parents told me I wouldn't amount to anything because I procrastinated too much. I told them, 'Just you wait.' Judy Tenuta
		It's a Wacky World

Adding some humor to your signs is a great way to attract attention to your business. Here are a few funny veterinarian signs spotted around Canada and the U.S.: I Kissed a Pug and I Liked It 50 Shades of Spay It's All Fun and Games Until Someone Ends Up In a Cone Dinosaurs Never Went to the Vet and Looked What Happened! Why Don't Cats Play Cards? Too Many Cheetahs!

Cost-Savings to Bring Mike in to Speak
Okanagan: "I need to see Mom" special rate on-going!
Toronto: Oct. 21-24
Ottawa: Nov. 7
Vancouver: Dec.1-2
Edmonton: Dec. 5-7
Winnipeg: March 16

The Humor Advantage
Did you know The Humor Advantage is available as an e-book, on Kobo and on Kindle? Or, yes, in actual hardcover format! Order The Humor Advantage this week and we'll include a free copy of THREE e-books: Inspiring Workplaces, Inspiring Questions for Inspiring Workplaces, and 340 Ways to Put Humor to Work.

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