Inspiring Workplaces: Creating a Jerk-Free Zone at Work

Published: Wed, 07/15/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 831- July 15, 2020


		Creating a Jerk-Free Zone at Work

	Year after year, Red Door Interactive is recognized as one of the best places to work in San Diego. One of the reasons for their accolades is undoubtedly due to their overarching value that guides their workplace culture: "We are a 100% Jerk-Free Workplace." If you want to create a happier, more productive work environment, creating a jerk-free zone is a darn good place to start. Of course, you need to translate those words into observable attitudes and behaviors that everyone can easily understand, especially since there's such a wide range of definitions and a whole spectrum of jerkiness: Annoyingly clicking your pen nonstop isn't quite the same as bringing a wolverine to your next meeting "because you thought it'd be fun." Talking too loudly while using your speakerphone won't likely register as high on the jerk-o-meter as taking credit for a colleague's brilliant idea. A safe way to broach this topic without singling anyone out is to raise awareness of common jerk-like behaviors by sharing articles about workplace etiquette or sharing some of those numerous "Top-10 office pet peeve" lists. You can conduct your own anonymous surveys on the topic and share the results. And try holding regular "good neighbor" meetings to talk about what everyone needs to do to be less jerk-like and more civil. Use the Wheel of Change framework to guide your conversation: What does everyone need to stop doing if we want to create a more supportive, respectful workplace? What do we need to remember to continue to do to sustain a respectful workplace? What do we need to create/start doing in order to build a respectful workplace?

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

Another meeting icebreaker: Ask everyone to bring an object found in their home to present for "show and tell." There are a few options you can consider for parameters. It could be an object that has some sentimental meaning to the person, an object that best symbolizes their attitude toward life, or the quirkiest household object they can find. Of course, you can try each one of those and then you've got openers for three upcoming meetings.
		Quote of the Week

“A closed mouth gathers no foot.” Anonymous
		It's a Wacky World

Another accidentally funny tourist sign for you, courtesy of a Budapest zoo: Please do not feed the animals. If you have any suitable food give it instead to the guard on duty.

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