Before I criticize someone, I walk a mile in their moccasins. That way, if they get mad, they’re a mile away and barefoot.
Humor used the right way at the right time can be just what you need to diffuse a conflict at work. The credit industry is full of great opportunities to disarm negativity. Diffusing a tense situation can help all parties involved find a mutually satisfying solution more quickly. The trick is to put water, not fuel on the fire. A compassionate and benevolent intention go a long way to choosing the right thing to say. The secret of most good communicators is to choose a playful response in the face of challenge — not a personal put down, but a response that pokes fun at the situation.
Read the short stories below from other work environments, and then feel free to submit your story (or one you heard).
Paint Department
I client of mine was working at a major home improvement store in the paint department. When customers have complaints, paint is the last place you want to be, since they usually discover a problem after they have already spread it on their wall. And special colors are not accepted for return. One customer got so upset at the man that he said, “You can take this paint and shove it up your ass!” The man responded, “I’m sorry sir, you’re the third person to say that today so I’m all full of paint, but I’ll be open for more tomorrow.” The customer laughed and they were able to move on. (contributed by Stevie Ray)
Office Manager
This email was from my office manager who was taking care of my business while I was on vacation:
Dear Elaine – I am sorry for the delay in returning your email. I had to go with the police when they apprehended the man in the ski mask trying to steal your bank deposit. My broken arm should be healed within six weeks. Also, my son got his cute little hands on one of those permanent markers when I left him in the waiting room. The place kind of needed a paint job, though – donÂ’t you think? YouÂ’ll be pleased to know that we decided on hot pink in your absence. The painters will be done later today and it only cost $2000 because they are high school students. See you soon, Jeannette. P.S. There was no armed robbery, or broken arm or hot pink paint job. But, I did forget to do the bank deposit and need Friday off again….so I just wanted to make sure you kept it all in perspective. (contributed by Elaine Robinson)
Time Deadline
Our manager was pushing the IT technician to fix a huge computer breakdown in under half a day. The technician was getting frustrated at the unreasonable request, but rather than push back with resistance, he said, “Actually, I only need two hours. The other two I’ll be using to cure world hunger.” They both laughed and the manager mellowed out. (contributed by Linda Johnson)
Smaller Budget
A client kept returning our budget proposal saying it needed to be smaller. No matter how much trimming we did, the client kept pushing for “Smaller, smaller!” I finally took the proposal to a copier and had it reduced to two inches in size. I sent it to the client and said, “This is about as small as I can make it. Tell me what you think.” He called me saying it got a huge laugh in his office and that he would now accept the proposal as soon as he could find his magnifying glass. (contributed by Frank Freedman)
Super Size Urn
A funeral director was helping a grieving widow choose an urn for her husband’s ashes. Her husband was a man who enjoyed the finer things in life; he had a hearty build; a rotund, Santa-like exterior. The funeral director was trying to find a diplomatic way to tell her that the urn size should be extra-large. When she inquired as to the selection available, he simply said small, medium, large and Super Size. She looked up and there was a brief pause. Not knowing what to do, he said….”and today Super Size is only fifty cents more”. She replied somberly, “Wilbur always went for Super Size.” There was another pause – and then they both laughed. She later told him that little encounter really helped her release the stress of the situation. (contributed by Vanessa Miller)
Have you ever used to humor to diffuse tension, disarm negativity, or build rapport at work? We want your stories. Please send them to the email address below and you will receive a free eBook.
Carla Rieger is an expert on creative people skills at work. If you want a motivational speaker, trainer, or leadership coach to help you stay on the creative edge, contact Carla Rieger.
Web site: http://www.carlarieger.com
Tel: 1-866-294-2988
Email carla@carlarieger.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carla_Rieger
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And On The 8th Day God Created COACHES Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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Bring On The Naked Coaches Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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COACH And loving every minute of it Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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Jose Eber Straightening Iron Signature Series Black Flat Iron New! $44.97 BRAND NEW AND SEALD * Advance Ceramic Plate Design * Latest technolog provides perfect heat distribution * Reaches maxium temperature in minimum time * Genetrates negative ions and infrared rays to seal the cuticles, repeals humidity, and reduces frizziness Product Description shinnier, healthier looking hair for you. with a LIFE TIME WARRANTY… |
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Bundle Monster Kindle Fire Synthetic Leather Pouch 360 Swivel Case Cover – Black – Fits Kindle Fire Device Only $14.99 This multi-functional, textured, synthetic leather cover case is specifically designed to fit your Kindle Fire device. This is a lightweight cover that highlights your Kindle’s attributes. The case is made to swivel 360 degrees to sit your Kindle horizontally or vertically. Built into the main cover are 3 pre-constructed grooves that hold up your device; the first and second groove from the Ki… |
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Hot Pink Leather USA Embossed Passport Holder Cover $9.49 This incredibly soft hot pink leather passport holder has the Great Seal of The United States, plus “Passport” and “United States of America” embossed on the front. Not only will this holder hold your passport, it has pockets on the inside for holding driver’s licenses, credit cards or business cards. Measuring 5 1/4 inches by 4 inches, it fits any official US passport. This passport holder is bra… |
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Fuchsia Giraffe Designer Inspired Animal Print Handbag Purse Bag Tote $14.99 This is the season’s MUST HAVE bag. We’ve all seen the exact same style bag on the shoulder’s of Hollywood’s elite. Convertible bag can be worn as a bucket bag or as a tote.Simply snap the interior buttons together on the sides to create versatile looks! This high-quality giraffe print bag is super trendy and perfect for any outfit! This extra large bag features a glamorous and intricate giraffe p… |
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COACH on Adult & Youth Cotton T-Shirt (in 44 colors) 5.6 & 6 oz., heavyweight 100% preshrunk cotton T-shirt (Ash is 99% cotton, 1% other fibers; Heather Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester), Quarter-turned. Seamless collar, Taped shoulder-to-shoulder, Double-needle stitched neck, sleeves and hemmed bottom. Printed on Front of T-Shirt. Very vibrant print. Won’t peel or crack in washer/dryer. Sizes are as follows, W=Shirt Width, L=Shirt Length. All Meas… |
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Barbie Hot Tub Party Bus Vehicle Play Set $59.99 Uh-oh, has Barbie gotten herself into hot water? Yes, literally! Our leggy friend’s latest acquisition is a party RV with built-in hot tub. Now, any time they want, Barbie and her pals (dolls not included) can call “road trip” and away they’ll go. All the comforts of, well, a luxury hotel! The big pink bus opens up on one side to reveal kitchenette with stovetop, oven, microwave, fridge, sink, cab… |
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Fisher-Price Little People Night At The Ball Playset $30.83 Once upon a time, in a land filled with laughter, a prince and a princess lived happily ever after! They rode in a coach to a Night At The Ball, where they danced before the king & queen-such fun was had by all! What a perfect set for your little princess-and a great addition for the Little People Lil’ Kingdom Castle!… |
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And On The 8th Day God Created COACHES Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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Bring On The Naked Coaches Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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COACH And loving every minute of it Mug for Coffee / Hot Beverage (choice of sizes and colors) T-ShirtFrenzy offers over 30,000 designs on tons of products to offer millions of variations. You can search our store for something for everyone on your gift list or shop for yourself (our personal favorite). Please contact us with questions…. |
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Jose Eber Straightening Iron Signature Series Black Flat Iron New! $44.97 BRAND NEW AND SEALD * Advance Ceramic Plate Design * Latest technolog provides perfect heat distribution * Reaches maxium temperature in minimum time * Genetrates negative ions and infrared rays to seal the cuticles, repeals humidity, and reduces frizziness Product Description shinnier, healthier looking hair for you. with a LIFE TIME WARRANTY… |
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Bundle Monster Kindle Fire Synthetic Leather Pouch 360 Swivel Case Cover – Black – Fits Kindle Fire Device Only $14.99 This multi-functional, textured, synthetic leather cover case is specifically designed to fit your Kindle Fire device. This is a lightweight cover that highlights your Kindle’s attributes. The case is made to swivel 360 degrees to sit your Kindle horizontally or vertically. Built into the main cover are 3 pre-constructed grooves that hold up your device; the first and second groove from the Ki… |
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|
Hot Pink Leather USA Embossed Passport Holder Cover $9.49 This incredibly soft hot pink leather passport holder has the Great Seal of The United States, plus “Passport” and “United States of America” embossed on the front. Not only will this holder hold your passport, it has pockets on the inside for holding driver’s licenses, credit cards or business cards. Measuring 5 1/4 inches by 4 inches, it fits any official US passport. This passport holder is bra… |
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Fuchsia Giraffe Designer Inspired Animal Print Handbag Purse Bag Tote $14.99 This is the season’s MUST HAVE bag. We’ve all seen the exact same style bag on the shoulder’s of Hollywood’s elite. Convertible bag can be worn as a bucket bag or as a tote.Simply snap the interior buttons together on the sides to create versatile looks! This high-quality giraffe print bag is super trendy and perfect for any outfit! This extra large bag features a glamorous and intricate giraffe p… |
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COACH on Adult & Youth Cotton T-Shirt (in 44 colors) 5.6 & 6 oz., heavyweight 100% preshrunk cotton T-shirt (Ash is 99% cotton, 1% other fibers; Heather Grey is 90% cotton, 10% polyester), Quarter-turned. Seamless collar, Taped shoulder-to-shoulder, Double-needle stitched neck, sleeves and hemmed bottom. Printed on Front of T-Shirt. Very vibrant print. Won’t peel or crack in washer/dryer. Sizes are as follows, W=Shirt Width, L=Shirt Length. All Meas… |
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Barbie Hot Tub Party Bus Vehicle Play Set $59.99 Uh-oh, has Barbie gotten herself into hot water? Yes, literally! Our leggy friend’s latest acquisition is a party RV with built-in hot tub. Now, any time they want, Barbie and her pals (dolls not included) can call “road trip” and away they’ll go. All the comforts of, well, a luxury hotel! The big pink bus opens up on one side to reveal kitchenette with stovetop, oven, microwave, fridge, sink, cab… |
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Fisher-Price Little People Night At The Ball Playset $30.83 Once upon a time, in a land filled with laughter, a prince and a princess lived happily ever after! They rode in a coach to a Night At The Ball, where they danced before the king & queen-such fun was had by all! What a perfect set for your little princess-and a great addition for the Little People Lil’ Kingdom Castle!… |
November 23, 2003
Coach