Volume 3, Issue 1
March 2003

Humor In Practice - Doing the Right Thing and Doing the Light Thing!
By Ron Culberson, LCSW, CSP

Some employers are concerned that by teaching employees how to have more fun at work, we could be equipping them with the tools they need to be frivolous, waste time and decrease productivity.

Other people consider their workplace as fun-proof. In other words, their particular work is so serious they would never entertain the idea of bringing more humor to their jobs.

Finally, there are those who just don't believe that humor has real value at work. Someone once said that the definition of work is "when you would rather be doing anything else"! These folks believe that work must be drudgery or else it's technically not work.

I continue to battle these misconceptions by rolling out a new twist on an old concept: Doing the Right Thing and Doing the Light Thing. Here's how it works. Humor by itself is valuable. Humor coupled with integrity, good work ethics and solid interpersonal relationships becomes an incredible tool for business and personal success.

In the past 16 months, our society has been bombarded with examples of people who did not do the right thing. Whether it was the terrorists' attacks, the corporate scandals or the most recent Hollywood gossip columns, we are pretty clear on what <I>not</I> to do. 

To counter this societal mudslide, we must always be willing to focus on what really matters: Solid values, sharp skills, and compassion-based relationships.

The values or principles we embrace are the foundation of our thoughts, words and actions. Whatever those values are, they determine how we lead our personal and work lives. Do you know what your values are?

Equally important are the innate and learned skills we possess. We have God-given gifts and have developed skills over the years. By using both, we can truly accomplish anything we set out to do. What are your skills?

Finally, there are the relationships in our lives. We should approach every person in our life with an attitude of compassion. If we keep the needs of other in the forefront of our minds, we will make this world a better place to live and work. Is your heart in your relationships? 

So, that’s all it means to do the Right Thing. Once we do that, the Light Thing is what adds richness and FUN.

The Light Thing is all about humor. Humor is a tool that can assist us in every aspect of our lives. It creates a new perspective. It builds bridges to deal with the stresses of the world. 

Humor, by nature forces us to see things fresh and with a new attitude. It has also been referred to as a social "lubricant" which can break down tension and bring people together. Finally, a regular dose of humor helps us deal with stress both psychologically and physically.

When we add humor to an integrity-filled existence (i.e. adding the Light Thing to the Right Thing), anything is possible. What a concept!


Ron Culberson's mission is to help individuals and organizations balance serious issues with a light touch. He has provided entertaining, informative and FUN programs to over 20,000 people in more than 350 associations, government agencies, non-profit organizations and Fortune 500 companies. For information on his trainings, keynotes and emcee services call 352-438-0261 or [email protected]  or www.ExpertSpeaker.com/Speakers/culberson.htm 

Feedback

© Copyright 1999-2003  ExpertMagazine.com

The last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.

- Victor Frankl, Man's Search for Meaning