by Peter Luscombe

The mind is everything. What you think you become.

Buddha

Many negative or adverse workplace situations can be spun around to the positive, if you have an attitude to do so.

I read recently an article – The nine guaranteed ways to make your colleagues hate you forever – in which there are some relevant as well as funny observations. (If you go to the link and can access the regional content, then I suggest you watch the video – Daily Dilemma: Annoying Co-Worker Habits)

The nine guaranteed ways to make your colleagues hate you forever, according to the writer, are:

  1. CHEMICAL WARFARE
  2. VOLUME CONTROL
  3. DESK CREEP
  4. EMAIL BOMBING
  5. BIO HAZARD
  6. KITCHEN MELTDOWN
  7. GOSSIP QUEENS
  8. FEATHER FINGERS
  9. PASSIVE AGGRESSIVES

Yes, every one of these is capitalized as an offence. The strident tone matches the objection?

However, any of these “offences” may merely require a single dose of respect of yourself and of others to spin matters around. As well, not taking matters too seriously and a dose of perspective will help matters along.

A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done.

Dwight D. Eisenhower

Michael Kerr, an international business speaker, president of ‘Humor at Work’, and author of The Humor Advantage: Why Some Businesses are Laughing all the Way to the Bank says in a Forbes’ article:

In workplaces that encourage people to be themselves–that are less hierarchical and more innovative–people tend to be more open with their humor. … Even people who aren’t always comfortable sharing their humor tend to do so in more relaxed environments where the use of humor becomes second nature with everyone’s style.

In the same article, Lynn Taylor, workplace expert and author of: Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant – says that well placed humour in the workplace shows: … maturity and the ability to see the forest through the trees.

Of special interest is a belief held by many executives that humour and being able to take  perspective is important for career advancement.

perspective

10 Reasons Why Humor Is A Key To Success At Work according to Jacquelyn Smith, a staff writer for ‘Forbes,’ are:

  • People will enjoy working with you
  • Humor is a potent stress buster
  • It is humanizing
  • It puts others at ease
  • Ha + ha = aha! Humour and creative thinking are linked
  • It helps build trust
  • It boosts morale
  • People who use humor tend to be more approachable
  • Humor can allow your company to stand out
  • It can increase productivity

People who look through keyholes are apt to get the idea that most things are keyhole shaped.

Author Unknown

Essentially humour provides a way of opening up experiences within yourself, others and the world around you. To employ humour in the workplace appropriately can be an incredibly empowering force all around. It certainly will make tedious moments pass more easily, smooth any conflict and keep a mindful perspective in the moment. Think about putting a positive spin on matters.