Here’s a not-so-obvious way to get the ball rolling with new co-workers. It might seem a little far-fetched, even risky, but, when done right, it really does work:
The scenario: There’s this girl, let’s call her Mary. It’s Mary’s first day of work at a major media corporation where she’s working in a particularly well-known division of the company that has quite a reputation preceding it. She’s nervous to say the least, worried about entering into a group of workers who not only work well together, but also know each other. Will she fit in? Will they welcome her? Will they make her feel like she is intruding on an already efficient team? She worries about this and more as she enters the office and takes her seat at her cubicle.
Not an hour into her first workday and in walks Judy. She introduces herself, says what department she works in, ya know, the basics. Mary is cordial, smiles, even feels slightly at ease with Judy. Wanting to make small talk, Mary asks Judy about their boss, Mr. Richardson.
“So how’s Mr. Richardson as a boss? He seems nice.”
Judy responds:
“Yeah, he’s alright. But of course he seems nice to you, Mary. You’ve only been here an hour and we can all tell you want him.”
Mary, obviously shocked, says nothing and gives a frightened smile…
“I’m kidding, Mary! No, he’s fine. Come on, I’ll introduce you to everyone.” And so goes Mary’s first day.
This seems farcical, but it actually happened to a friend of mine. You might be thinking “What a way to break in the newbie,” but “Mary” assured me that after this little just-for-laughs joke she felt really comfortable with “Judy,” and so it got me thinking: what’s a great way to welcome the new employee? MAKE FUN OF THEM!
Of course I don’t mean berate your new co-worker with harsh put-downs and mean pranks (though fun, lighthearted pranks are OK), but I’ve always found that it reveals a level of comfort when someone can make-fun of you.
By now most of you know I like to joke around with and be sarcastic to my friends, just because I know it’s all in good fun and that they are going to do the same back to me. Joking around like this has to be understood as just good fun, a way to get the ball rolling or an effective way to get to know someone. That’s why it doesn’t hurt. Mary said once the ice had been broken, she knew that Judy and many of the other co-workers were excited to have someone new in the office and that weird tension that sometimes exists was immediately broken down.
So what can you say or do? Obviously, keep it easy. Don’t go for the jugular and think it’s going to be funny. Light sarcasm is a great tool with co-workers. Like when someone says “Ugh, I hate expense reports!” You can say “Really? Why? They are the reason I get up in the morning.”
Nicknames are fun too; nothing too mean though. A guy I know wore a pair of white jeans to work one day and now they all affectionately call him “White Pants.” Also, if you are so inclined, maybe make a funny office picture in Photoshop or something, complete with superimposed faces and funny captions, then send it along to co-workers and watch the chortles and snorts roll forth.
Get my drift? And this works on both sides, whether you’re breaking in the fresh meat or are the fresh meat yourself. But, word to the wise if you’re the new guy, first get a feel for your people before you go and poke fun at the girl with all the puppy pictures in her cubicle. You don’t want anyone taking you too serious right off the bat. She might be sensitive about those dogs. You’re just looking for ways to lighten up the environment so it’s easier for everyone to get to know one another. When that tension is released and everyone is more comfortable, people become more productive because they aren’t worrying what everyone is thinking of them. And, if you’re laughing at work, you’re having fun at work; and I don’t know about you, but I’d sacrifice a little dignity to get to that point.
So go ahead, give it a try next week. If you don’t have any new employees try it on someone you don’t really know. You never know what sort of new constructive relationship you’ll get.
Brad Montgomery
Motivational Keynote Speaker & Humorist
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