Humoring



Coaxing with amusement, flattery, sarcasm, obvious exaggeration or insincerity or ludicrous talk. Taken literally, it may resemble any of the other types.


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.

Work situations where this 
response is demonstrated:

Conflict Between Workers


Sleeping on the Job

 


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