Ex.:
“Gee, I’m awfully sorry. You never sprayed before today, and I
forgot to remind you that we usually measure the stuff before mixing it in
the tank. My mistake, buddy.”
“Surely
an hombre of your good looks and genius can figure out a way to get along
with Maria.”
“Your
eyes are so bloodshot that it would be a miracle if you could tell the
difference between humidity gauge readings and the ball scores.
Maybe we should let you run the new combine today instead.”
Pros
& Cons
Humoring
usually comes off as friendly, gentle communication. It can diffuse tension about a situation and put events into
broader perspective, thus paving the way for more constructive discussion. Sometimes, however, it implies supervisory weakness, frivolity, or
lack of seriousness, and it is difficult to follow with formal warning or
penalty for repeated violations. Particularly if used without sensitivity
and finesse in emotionally charged situations, or across cultures, humor
may be quite inappropriate and unwelcome, even offensive.
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