Green is not the color

A travel agent said to his customer, “I can get you three days and two nights in Rome for a hundred bucks.”

“How come so cheap?” replied the customer.

The travel agent replied, “The days are July 11, 12 and 13. The nights are July 21 and 22.” No wonder it’s cheap.

Grandpa was always going on about the good old days, and the lower cost of living, in particular. “When I was a kid, my mom could send me to the store, and I’d get a salami, two pints of milk, 6 oranges, 2 loaves o’ bread, a magazine, and some new blue jeans...all for a dollar!!”

Then Grandpa said sadly, “You can’t DO that anymore.....they got those video cameras everywhere you look.” So now we know. It’s not the prices that are cheap but the grandpa is.

Some people are still looking for things that come cheap. And they fail to understand that they cannot find good things if they insist on being cheap.

The same thing applies for ethics in the work place.

Telling green jokes and giving sexual innuendos is a reflection of being cheap. While Green is the in-color for the world today in our attempt to preserve our environment, the color green has no place for conversations in the work place.Humor is helpful because it breaks the ice and relieves tension.

But humor that is offensive can erode trust and incite conflicts and will not be beneficial to anyone.

Here are some reminders that may help:

1. Get the green out of your jokes.

Never tell off-color, sexual or ethnic jokes at work. There’s room for a sense of humor in every cubicle but dirty jokes show a lack of sensitivity and respect. In fact green jokes reflect poor imagination and intellect. It always cheapens the source from which it comes from.

2. Be willing to laugh at yourself. The best comedy comes from truth. Let your co-workers know that you are honest and that you are a fun loving person. Willing to admit mistakes and ready to rectify them. This is particularly important for people in management.

3. Jokes are no longer funny if it is done at another co-worker’s expense. Some people think they’re funny and superior when they pick on someone in the work place and use them as their punching bags. Practical jokes are only funny if no one’s feelings get hurt. 

4. Drinks and business do not mix. Office parties, celebrations, anniversaries or the holidays are never occasions for co-workers to equate fun with having drinks without facing disastrous results. An inappropriate comment or unwanted pass will haunt you long after the apologies are given your impropriety will hamper your chances for future promotions. Get this into your head. You are not funnier after you’ve had a few drinks.

5. Perform. Perform and Perform.

The joke is on you when you do not perform in your work place. I know of certain people who want to be office comedians and use their antics as a cover up for slacking off. These people should change careers and pursue stand-up comedy full time. 

Green is not the color for humor in the work place.

It is not art, it simply is a peak into the state of the heart.

For out of the fullness of the heart the mouth speaks.

So watch your mouth and watch your heart.

(Francis Kong will be the lead trainer for the Dr. John Maxwell’s “Developing the Leader Within You” leadership program this September 29-30 at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel. For further inquiries contact Inspire Leadership Consultancy Inc. 632-6872614 or 09178511115)