Cameron worked in a small manufacturing plant. He liked to think that he maintained friendly relations with all of his co-workers and his work team. He enjoyed telling jokes, kidding and trading barbs with them. He thought they enjoyed his repartee, sarcastic humor, and put downs. Unfortunately, some of his co-workers took offense at his jokes and criticisms. A few of them complained to management and human resources. One in particular felt sexually harassed by his continued lewd jokes and sexual comments. The company had a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment. Cameron lost his job because of the stupid stuff he said, that he thought was funny.
Stupid Stuff You May Say to Co-Workers or Team Members
Fifty years of legislation and litigation changed what co-workers and team members may say to one another. Jokes, comments, and opinions that may have been accepted by a few in the workplace are recognized as offensive, hostile, and illegal. Many comments may result in probation, disciplinary action, and termination.
Racist, sexist, lewd, or abusive statements clearly classify as stupid stuff. Such stupid stuff include:
- Lewd or off-color jokes or racial pictures or comments about co-workers or anyone
- Ethnic or racist jokes, comments, pictures, or emails
- Critical comments that could be perceived as abusive or creating a hostile workplace
- Disrespectful or strong statements that denigrate others could be considered bullying
You may not agree with the laws and regulations, but you must abide by them. I also suggest you analyze the intent of the regulations and accept the decency in them.
Smart Stuff You Can Say to Build Your Team
Ken Blanchard and others share tips of the smart stuff you may say to your co-workers and team members:
- Catch them doing good things and compliment them on the quality of their work
- Recognize their good ideas and contributions to the workplace
- Keep humor and stories uplifting, clean, and inoffensive to anyone
Wednesday we highlight that you should not say stupid stuff to others outside the company
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