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When I was first initiated
into Corporate America, I had a sense of humor
that went unmatched by any mortal soul. I was
quick-witted, smart, sharp, and knew every gag
and joke available to humanity. Most of it, I
learned in college. But, college never really
did teach the fact that having a sense of humor
in the workplace is different than 'jocularity.'
After a few brushes with career-chaos, I realized
that the definition of 'corporate humor' deals
with how one handles oneself and not how one can
elicit laughter.
--- Where did this come
from? ---
One of my friends came to
Las Vegas last week to visit and relax a bit.
He and I went out and checked out some of the
local bands. During the course of the evening,
he brought up some issues about his current job
situation. After some introductory words, we discussed
the issue that he seems to get blamed for some
of the stupidest things, that he never did, and
no one takes him seriously anymore. Then, he cracked
some joke about it and we carried on.
Not being taken seriously
by your peers is actually a common problem with
people who do have a sense of humor. But, funny
has no place in the workplace and can easily wreak
havoc on an otherwise blossoming career.
--- So, no more laughter?
---
Of course, laughter is necessary
in life. But, in a professional setting, it becomes
a different type of laughter. One situation you
will encounter as you move through your career
is the seriousness of professionalism. Of course,
to some, this is not a problem. But, to those
that have a funny bone, this is a big problem
and a detriment to one's career.
You have to realize that
when your boss asks if you have a sense of humor,
he's not asking if you're a clown. What he is
asking is whether or not you can accept criticism,
deal with difficult people, and gracefully handle
mistakes without snapping people's heads off when
things get stressful. It is important and considered
professional to be able to take criticism lightly
as it is sometimes used as a tool of 'turf wars'
than an actual personal attack.
--- Hey, that was funny!
---
If you begin to crack jokes
and make snide remarks, you will eventually not
be taken seriously in the workplace. You will
be seen as someone who wastes time because every
time that someone approaches you to discuss a
project or other issues with you, some of that
time is spent explaining your humorous comments.
Additionally, many corporate-minded individuals
do not have the time to analyze comments with
hidden meanings and will take what you say as
absolute. Therefore, if you make a 'stupid' comment
in hopes of eliciting a smile, your comment will
be taken as an absolute and a representation of
your professionalism in the workplace. Finally,
if your comments do have hidden meanings or contain
humorous connotations, then anything you say will
be taken as unreliable, thus labeling you as unreliable.
Realize that the corporate
culture labels you by 'visible change,' not completely
by merit. What I mean is, the last way you presented
yourself is the way that you will be seen in the
workplace. If you are a serious, pleasant, and
hard worker, you will be seen that way. If you
crack a joke in the middle of a serious moment,
from then on, you will be seen as a joker.
--- Look over there! ---
One thing to keep in mind
is that many people crack jokes and make 'humorous'
comments when they are uncomfortable or lack confidence
in a situation. If this applies to you, realize
that your peers know this as well. Being overly
humorous under stress gives off a sign of weakness
within the workplace and will also cause you to
be ousted from the ranks.
Try to find another outlet
for discomfort or confidence issues. Perhaps a
favorite ink pen or a small quartz crystal to
toy with in such situations will remind you to
maintain your professional façade as well as keep
you calm.
--- Watch what you say!
---
One of the big problems
facing corporate cultures today is that, in general,
everyone is 'sensitive' to everything. Instead
of working together for a common goal, there are
individuals that stay on their toes looking for
that one thing that they can use to cause some
sort of upheaval within the culture. With that,
corporate-minded peers are also on the lookout
for those who might do or say something to upset
those sensitive individuals.
Because of this situation,
there truly is no room in a standard corporate
culture for remarks and comments that in certain
groups might otherwise be humorous. You have to
realize that when you speak within a corporate
culture, be concise, be realistic, and do not
add comedic breaks or sarcasm. Since everyone
is taking everything 'seriously' with a 'sense
of humor' for themselves, then whatever you say
will be taken seriously and could easily land
you in hot water.
To alleviate the chance
of being misinterpreted, keep emotion and personal
beliefs out of the context of your conversations.
Basically, listen closely and be concise in what
you say. Not only does this eliminate the problem
of having people take you wrong, but it also saves
a lot of time.
--- The Deadly Silence ---
There are several little
games played within the corporate environment
to elicit a fatal comment from the unwary. The
most deadly game is the 'long pause.' In many
cases, you might sit before your boss, or peers,
and provide information on a particular subject
or project. During the course of the discussion,
you notice that your audience appears to be listening
to everything you say. Then, at the end of your
soliloquy, the audience seems dead or stuck in
a mental time warp. This pause can last for as
long as 10 seconds.
During this pause, it might
seem as though your audience is mulling through
your comments, but this is not entirely the case.
They are creating an uncomfortable pause for you
to begin doubting your comments in hopes that
you divulge additional information and demonstrate
your lack of confidence and discomfort.
This situation will get
you every single time if you're not aware that
it is only a game. One purpose of this game is
so that the audience can acquire additional information
from you that you would have otherwise never divulged.
On the other hand, the audience might be trying
to acquire your nonsensical traits from your discomfort
to use during a future turf war. Again, be concise,
and then listen. Wait out the infinite pause without
saying a word and you'll see that they were just
waiting for you to speak.
--- What's next? ---
Realize that you can still
have fun and enjoy your work without the frolicky
antics of a pubescent employee. One mishap can
destroy a lifetime of kudos making it is easier
to fall from graces than to repair a reputation.
Companies want people they can count on 100% of
the time, not just when you're serious and comfortable.
Focus, take responsibility, move forward competently,
and produce quality results.
If you've already fallen
because of your sense of humor, then you will
have to work hard to get back into the good graces
of the culture. All you have to do is maintain
a professional façade, realize that corporate
America is 'not personal,' and motivate in your
career with confidence.
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