Leadership Solutions: Another Bad Idea

Recently a manager complained to me that his boss had told him to stop telling jokes during meetings.

And then he added that his boss doesn't understand the value of humor. And since his boss is wrong, he plans to continue telling jokes in meetings.

I'll agree that his boss may be wrong.

But it isn't with regard to telling jokes in meetings.

It's because he's keeping this manager on the payroll.

In this case, the boss is letting an employee continue with an activity that costs the company money. And this employee is doing it after he's been told to stop.

That's serious.

If everyone ignored their boss's directions, the business would fall apart in chaos.

As for jokes in meetings, they're usually bad.

Why?

1) Jokes disrupt people's concentration, which prevents them from focusing on solutions.

2) Jokes take control of a meeting away from the person who's leading it.

3) Jokes consume time that should be spent working.

4) Jokes are often used to show off.

5) Jokes can be used to prevent progress on controversial issues.

And yes, jokes are wonderful. They make people laugh. They relieve tension.

So, where can you tell jokes?

Parties. Meals. Coffee breaks. And so on.

Key Point: Save jokes for times when they're appropriate.

Much success,

Steve Kaye

714-528-1300

Author, Speaker, IAF Certified Professional Facilitator

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