The Hump Day Humor-Gram, December 6, 2006     Issue Number 198

1. Are You Contributing to an Alien Nation? 
2. Mike’s Fun at Work Tip 
3. Quote of the Week  
4. It’s a Wacky, Wacky World 
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1. Are You Contributing to an Alien Nation? 

A recent poll revealed yet again that the use of workplace 
jargon can make managers look weak and untrustworthy, 
can alienate staff, and can contribute to low morale. 42% of 
respondents said that phrases like “at the end of the day” 
(once voted as the most annoying buzzword phrase), “heads up,” 
“blue sky thinking” and “helicopter view” lead to confusion; 
while 37% felt jargon leads to mistrust in the workplace.   

This is just one of many surveys that remind us of the need 
to watch the words we use. If we are going to create more 
energetic, positive, inspiring and FUN workplaces, then 
the words we use matters!   

So avoid those weasel words that leave folks with a sense of 
“déjà moo” - the feeling they’ve heard all this “bull” before! 

Instead, use words that give a sense of ““déjà NEW!” or heck,
why not go for positive, meaningful, inspirational words that
leave folks with a renewed sense of “déjà WOOHOO! 
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2. Mike's Fun at Work Tip 

Create a fun work-related slogan for each month. Kick it
off at the start of the month with a special meeting or 
e-mail message. The slogan might revolve around one of your 
core values, a creative challenge you are trying to overcome 
or just something to remind folks to have fun to keep breathing 
life and energy into your workplace. Post sings with the slogan 
everywhere and anywhere, use the slogans as inspirational rallying 
cries, as in-your-face reminders and as jumping off points for 
more in-depth conversations. 
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3. Deep Thought of the Week 

“If you don't laugh at yourself, others will volunteer to do it for you!”
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4. It's a Wacky, Wacky World 

Here are some rather odd road signs you might encounter in rural
India:  	“Quiet Please, No Politics” 
       “After Whiskey, Very Risky” 
       “We Need More Passion Than Fashion” 
       “No Gossip, Let Him Drive!” 

Happy Hump Day one and all! May the farce be with you. 
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Copyright Michael Kerr, 2006  mailto:mike@mikekerr.com     
Reach Michael at 1-866-609-2640, http://www.MikeKerr.com.