Check unknown vocabulary before you read the text:
to flex –
to bend, as a part of the body
funny bone –
a sense of humor
significant(ly) –
important; having a major effect
to enhance –
raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify; raise the value or price of
prank –
a trick of an amusing, playful, or sometimes malicious nature; a practical joke
levity –
lightness of mind, character, or behavior
rapport –
harmonious relation; connection
to facilitate –
make easier or less difficult
to relieve –
free from anxiety, fear, pain, etc.
jinks –
prankish activities
mean –
nasty; malicious
to berate –
scold; rebuke; abuse
foible –
a minor weakness or failing of character
to trip –
stumble; make a slip, error, or mistake, as in conversation or conduct
head over heels –
headlong, as in a somersault; intensely; completely
to tune in –
adjust
to tickle –
touch or stroke lightly with the fingers, a feather so as to excite an itching sensation
to overwhelm –
present with an excessive amount
stumper –
an extremely difficult question, task, or problem
FLEX YOUR FUNNY BONE
Looking for something to smile about at work? How about this: Flexing your
funny bone can significantly enhance your professional prospects.
Ninety-one percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International consider
a sense of humor important to career advancement.
Consider the following real-life office pranks from a Robert Half survey
that asked executives to describe the funniest April Fools' jokes they have
observed in an office environment:
"Someone frosted a cookie with children's toothpaste and offered it to a
co-worker." "A couple of employees cleaned out everything from another person's
office." "One person's colleagues loaded his office with sand and beach toys."
"We put tape underneath a colleague's mouse so he couldn't move it." "We turned
everything backward in one person's office -- the computer, desk and pictures."
"Someone changed the keys on my keyboard." "We filled a colleague's office with
balloons."
Displaying levity on the job can help you build rapport with those around
you, facilitate open communication, and contribute to a positive work
environment. And, perhaps most importantly, a comic touch can work to relieve
tension on even the most stressful days.
But keep in mind that not all high jinks are well received. It's crucial to
take into consideration your organization's and co-workers' perspectives when it
comes to comic relief. Humor should be work appropriate and never mean
spirited or at the expense of others.
Here are some tips to ensure you're not an April Fool:
Say no to sarcasm
People often use humor as an indirect way of berating others. Here's an
example: "I can't believe you're here on time -- what's the occasion?" Sarcasm
is rarely a good idea, so keep these types of comments to yourself.
Be the butt of your own joke
Go ahead, poke fun at your foibles. Doing so can put others at ease in your
presence, and you don't risk offending someone else by making him or her the
target of your joke. For example, if you trip while giving a presentation, a
comment like, "I hope you're as head over heels about this idea as I am" can
help ease any awkwardness. Just be sure to keep your comments light; you don't
want your co-workers to think your attempt at humor is a cry for help.
Laugh with others
You can be perceived as having a great sense of humor without ever telling a
joke. Just tune in to the humor styles of those around you and share in the
fun.
Create a 'funny file'
You have files for various projects or committees you're involved in, so how
about developing a "funny file," as well? Create a folder filled with
appropriate workplace cartoons, amusing newspaper articles, humorous letters or
e-mails from friends, or anything else that tickles your funny bone. The next
time one of your co-workers feels overwhelmed or under the weather, you can
surprise him or her with a snippet from your file. Just be mindful to avoid
items that are offensive or otherwise in poor taste.
Convene a fun committee
Invite co-workers to join in your quest to "up the office fun factor."
Together, brainstorm ways to add excitement to the workweek -- surprising
co-workers with breakfast or treating the team to an afternoon at the park, for
instance. Just be sure to consult your department head before executing any
plans; you'll want to obtain his or her approval and determine other details,
such as budget and scheduling.
Issue trivia quizzes
What did Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes name their baby? From which state did
the last "American Idol" hail? Most people enjoy keeping up with pop culture, so
why not create a friendly competition around it? You also can grill people on
sports, geography or food -- whatever topics the team finds interesting. Even if
the only prize for answering the most questions correctly is posting the name of
the winner in a prominent spot, the joy of conjuring up random information and
discussing the "stumpers" can increase the general playfulness of any work
area.
Capture Kodak moments
Keep a disposable camera on hand for all to use to capture those moments when
you and your colleagues are at your best -- or worst. Then, post the pictures on
a community bulletin board. A candid snapshot from the day everyone
unintentionally wore lime-green shirts, for example, is bound to brighten the
mood.
A culture of fun at work can improve communication, reduce stress and
increase productivity. So don't be afraid to flex your funny bone -- just be
sure to do so in a business-appropriate way.
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