How To Manage
With
Humor
(Can you manage
without it?)
The FUNction of Humor in the
Workplace
by
Patt Schwab, Ph.D., CSP
First they tell
us to make our work force produce faster and to be more
accountable. Then they insist that we provide better
customer service and quality control. Finally they take away
everyone's job security. What's a manager to do?
There are 3
ways to motivate people to work harder, faster and
smarter:
1. Threaten
them.
2. Pay them
lots of money.
3. Make their
work fun.
In today's
workplace, threatening people has not been effective. Paying
them lots of money (even if you can afford it) has only
shown short-term success. Only number three, making their
workplace enjoyable, has a track record of effecting real
change. It is time managers learned how to create an
atmosphere that is challenging, creative and fun for
employees as well as for themselves.
Remember, s/he
who laughs. . . lasts!
The purpose of
this presentation is to acknowledge humor as the
interpersonal skill, learning aid and management tool it
really is. Dr. Schwab highlights it's ability to:
Convey information.
Build loyal work teams.
Enhance creativity, productivity and
safety.
Help keep perspective and reduce stress in
trying times.
Make the workplace more enjoyable for staff,
clients and customers.
Dr. Schwab
insists: Celebrating a day of humor doesn't change an
organization any more than it does a person. Adopting an
attitude of humorone that encourages risk taking,
creativity, diversity and adventureah. . .that is how
to change an organization and all those who are a part of
it.
________________________________________
Meeting Planner Notes: This program is an
excellent 90 minute to 3 hour workshop. It can be designed
as part of a supervisor training program or to address an
issue that is particularly current for the organization. It
usually concludes with a section discussing a variety of
ways to increase the humor in your life without becoming a
clown.
Download
a printable version
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