Tag Archive for Peers

Circular Seating Positions

by  • March 6, 2013 • 0 Comments

At a circular table each person shares power making collaboration easier.

At a circular table each person shares power making collaboration easier.

When no leader is

When a known leader is seated at a circular table, power trickles down as the relative distance increases. In this case #1 has the most power followed by #2, #3, #4 and finally the person who sits opposite. The person opposite finds himself in a unique situation of having to face the leader head-on!

When a known leader is seated at a circular table, power trickles down as the relative distance increases. In this case #1 has the most power followed by #2, #3, #4 and finally the person who sits opposite. The person opposite finds himself in a unique situation of having to face the leader head-on!

present, round tables can be used to create informal settings unlike rectangular tables that are used to conduct work or to reprimand employees. In offices, round tables are usually a place to relax and converse or to drink coffee. Smart offices will use these areas to build alliances with potential clients, especially timid ones, break down barriers, and create rapport. Round tables can reduce pressure and build trust. Round tables also offers neat divisions or ‘pie shapes’ where each person receives the same amount of space or “territory” that collect into a common center. Square tables on the other hand, have territories that lack clear boundaries which can present their own power struggle.

King Arthur attempted to equalize authority and status amongst his knights with the “round table.” He felt that without creating a head of table, his peers would see themselves as more equal preventing quarrels. Previous to the round table, a medieval king usually sat at one end of the table, with the court jester facing him at the other end. The knights were seated at the two sides with the most important among them seated closer to the king. What King Arthur failed to realize with his round table, however, was the trickle down effect where those sitting to his immediate left and right held the next level of power due to their proximity to him. As one was more removed from the King, their level of status diminished likewise until finally reaching the furthest party. Unfortunate for this person, he faced the King directly putting him in a competitive arrangement! Ironically, and counter to his initial assumption, the round table can still present difficulties in creating positive outcomes especially where a definitive leader is present.

Theory Of Jokes, Humour And What Is Appropriate

by  • March 5, 2013 • 0 Comments

The theory of how humour works has been extensively studied. The actual numbers of theories and reasons for making us laugh is well over eighty but some of the more common reasons we laugh include irony, slapstick, black humour, satire and farce. Most humour though, has roots in surprise, that is, the joke or physical stunt has a result that we didn’t expect, and so this un-expected result makes us excited. Sometimes we laugh at the misfortune, stupidity or clumsiness of someone else, because for that moment, we feel superior to them.

Jokes must always be situational and contextually appropriate. In the right company, almost anything goes, but when in the office, or around mixed company, censorship is a must. Self deprecating humour is almost always a good way to open joking because the only victim is oneself. However, during a job interview, it would be silly to joke about one’s inadequacies. We definitely need to make ourselves appear more equal to our peers and self jokes can do this. Amongst a new crowed, self deprecating humour can show that we aren’t uptight or feel superior to others.

In the workplace, dirty, sexist, racial and religious jokes need to be particularly avoided. Men, more so than women, will welcome sexist jokes, but there are always exceptions to any norm. Most men will feel uncomfortable with sexist jokes poking fun at women, especially when women are present. Racial or sexist jokes that offend others of which the teller isn’t a part, can also tread on shaky ground. For example, it is generally accepted to make a joke about men, if you are male or likewise a woman if female but if white, making a black joke will appear racist rather than funny. This has roots in self deprecating humour, where making fun of yourself is fair game, but making fun of others can be rude with the wrong audience. While jokes that make fun of the opposite sex or members of other groups tend to elicit the most positive reaction, they are also the most risky. Jokes that make fun of a shared identity also tend to go over well. When unsure however, it’s best to use universal jokes or playful jokes and avoid potentially risky jokes. When on new turf, let your environment predict which jokes are most welcome.