Inspiring Workplaces: Just Checking In

Published: Wed, 03/25/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 815 - Mar. 25, 2020


			Just Checking In

	Surveys suggest the number one way people feel a sense of belonging at work is when colleagues check in on them. And now, with most of us working remotely for the unforeseen future we need to be extra vigilant about checking in on one another! And please don't assume the extroverts or normally upbeat, outgoing people are "okay" - we all need to check in on everyone! Remember, the introverts are used to this - it's the gregarious people who might find working remotely extra challenging. Here are three different questions you can ask each other on your regular check-in calls, or use during your virtual team meetings: 1. What can I do to support you? 2. Is there anything I can start doing or anything I should stop doing that would make this situation easier for you? 3. What's not working for you right now? What have you tried or are doing different that's working for you that I might be able to learn from? On this note, I want to hear from you! What have you done that has worked well for you as you adjust to your new reality; work remotely for the first time; or help you keep a positive mental outlook. Please send me your ideas and I'll share them on future webinars or in issues of Inspiring Workplaces.

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

As I discussed in my webinar yesterday (thanks to the 453 people who registered and the 350 who made it!), we need to be extra intentional about finding the funny during these challenging times, so why not hold a contest with your team, create one on your own, or try this exercise with your family: Come up with a "Top-10 Great Things About This Unprecedented Situation!" list. Okay, it's a long title, but I'm keeping it general so you can take it in whatever direction you wish. For example: No one asks you to help them move! No more listening to Bob's corny puns. You have more time to finally alphabetize your 8-Track tape collection. Your spouse finally gets to see what you "actually do" for a living! More quality time with your hamster or cat (whether they like it or not).
		Quote of the Week

“Humor won't kill tragedy, but it’ll get it to lose its grip for a while.” Gilbert Gottfried
		It's a Wacky World

It's April next week, and not the April most of use hoped for or expected, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't find reasons to celebrate and laugh - in fact, we need to be extra diligent about finding the humor these days, so with that in mind, here are some of the more apropos April theme days (the entire list of April theme days is posted up on the website): April 1: Reading is Funny Day April 2: Love Your Produce Manager Day April 3: Hospital Admitting Clerks Day April 5: Deep Dish Pizza Day April 7: Beer Day April 14: International Moment of Laughter Day April 16: Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day!!! April 18: Husband Appreciation Day April 21: Bulldogs are Beautiful Day April 22: Administrative Assistants Day April 23: Talk Like Shakespeare Day April 24: International Sauvignon Blanc Day April 29: World Wish Day April 30: Poem in Your Pocket Day

Leading and Laughing During Turbulent Times
I'll be presenting the Leading and Laughing During These Turbulent Times webinar again next Wednesday, April 1 (and no, it's not a joke!) at 11:00 MST. Again, I'm waiving any fee. Register here: Laughing and Leading During Turbulent Times.

Need to Hear Some Good News? Check out the Good News Network

Meeting Joke Openers
100+ one-liners you can use to open your virtual meetings: 100 Work-Related Jokes and One-liners

The Culture Leadership Academy Thrilled to see many of you taking advantage of the 50% early bird enrollment rate! Respond to this email to receive your discount coupon code, which, due to the extraordinary circumstances we are facing, has been extended to September 30. (With the early bird coupon, the cost works out to $1.37/day, less that a cup of your favorite java!)

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