Cutting up at work
"I tried to be normal once. Worst two minutes of my life." PositiveThinkingMind.com
A sign of a healthy workplace is when the employees feel safe busting on each other. I'm talking about good-hearted jabs at one another - humor which breaks up the monotony at work. Larry always thinks the sky is falling. Sarah can't stand it when there is a dirty coffee cup left in the kitchen sink. Ralph has the most awkward yet hilarious laugh, and Joanne seems to come to work each Monday with a new scratch or dent in her car. Mark drives notoriously slow and Cathy is Mrs. Impatient. You pick the quirk, it is these flaws which make us human and if we can have some respectful fun with each other at work, people will enjoy being there.
There are some conditions which must be set before the group can start cutting up. Here are a few.
Establish a culture of belonging, hard work and sacrifice behind a common cause and mission coupled with a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Of course, nothing racial, sexist, or offensive.
The boss must be a willing participant. It is helpful if the boss starts by busting on himself or herself. "That lump on my forehead is from when I walked into the closet this morning. No Joanne didn't hit me with her car."
You, the leader, must set a tone of respect and reinforce how we - this dysfunctional family (a term of affection) love each other. "Ok, we all have our flaws - except me (said with a smile) - but we love each other and need each other."
Coach people not to have thin skin. "Ok everyone, we are just having some office fun here. By the way Sarah, is that your dirty coffee cup in the sink?"
Pick times to defend the one being picked on. "Ok, I'm on Cathy's side with this one. Cathy, give us a big dose of impatience here. We will need it for this project."
When you create this work environment, it is often helpful to let the 'cutting up' happen. It can be a healthy release and a good dose of humor in the workplace. I'm a comedian so I am usually one to start the cutting up session with a loving jab. I'm just cautious doing this because Ralph's laugh is infectious. Once he starts, I can't stop the group from laughing with him or at him. I'm not sure.
Have some tasteful fun at work today but love your people.
Make it Personal!
Rob
Rob Campbell