And still more good humor
This quote is a generalization of the opposite sides of the humor coin, but you can read much into it. Now you don’t have to take an Elizabethan Baron’s word on this – think of the people you know and work with. Those of good humor – fun, optimistic, engaging people are the kinds that you want to be around, who make work enjoyable, and don’t get into or cause much drama. Those of ill humor – defensive, moody, loners who don’t share or play nicely, the ones we’d rather avoid. The first volunteers help or time, the second does little or nothing extra to help, even if your pants are on fire. We all know people who fit both models. And yet at work we’re encouraged to get along with everyone, help some even if they don’t want or deserve it, because that’s what colleagues do. And even if they don’t smile, we never stop trying to make them. This is about personalities not politics. And even though some are incredulous when one smiles acceptingly at everyone, there’s no reason not to. As a leader at work, your job is to promote good humor as a means of promoting teamwork and quality – thanking those that do while encouraging and coaching those that won’t. There’s no place for ill humor at work – if we can get that concept across there, why not try to apply it to the rest of our lives at well today.
Fulke Greville, 1st Baron Brooke (1554 – 1628): Elizabethan poet, dramatist, and statesman who served in the House of Commons between 1581 and 1621, when he was raised to the peerage.
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