| I have spent a lot of time in hospitals lately as my dad | | | | stress, enhance relationships or improve teamwork. |
| deals with severe radiation burns. Despite the | | | | Use humour in conversation, at meetings or in |
| challenges, stress and lack of resources within the | | | | presentations. Start small, with these simple |
| healthcare system, I'm amazed at hospital staff who | | | | suggestions, until you find your comfort zone. |
| use humour to put patients at ease. Even a few | | | | 1. Find funny quotes instead of making up your own |
| simple words can get a patient to laugh, smile and | | | | humour. There are many sources but try these two to |
| momentarily forget their troubles. Here are some of | | | | start |
| my favorite hospital moments: | | | | 2. Share a funny story. It's easy to find funny stories or |
| * Prior to surgery in August, staff had to put a hair net | | | | news however the best stories are ones that involve |
| on my dad. When they gave him an unattractive cap, | | | | you. Laughing at yourself allows your colleagues to |
| they joked about having to take his picture. Next when | | | | see your humility, ability to take yourself lightly and your |
| they had to get him slippers, they promised him the | | | | sense of humour. Just ensure the story is appropriate |
| 'Armanis". It was the perfect way to help lighten the | | | | for the office and won't risk offending anyone. |
| stress of surgery. | | | | 3. Repeat a great one liner or joke from a show, |
| * While my dad was waiting for one of the many | | | | movie or comedy routine. A few good examples for |
| tests, scans and procedures, one of the nurses told | | | | the office are" "Houston, we have a problem" (Apollo |
| him "Running away was allowed". | | | | 13), "I've got a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore" |
| * An orderly, who took my dad for a CT scan, walked | | | | (Wizard of Oz), or "Show me the money" (Jerry |
| in calling him 'handsome' in the most respectful yet fun | | | | Maguire). Obviously it's up to you to find an appropriate |
| way. Once he found out my dad's last name was | | | | time and place to use any line. |
| Woods, he started calling him Tiger after the famous | | | | The more you practice using humour at work, the |
| golfer. My dad and those around him laughed | | | | more you'll see its workplace benefits. |
| especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding | | | | Want us to bring laughter that reduces stress and |
| Tiger. | | | | boosts morale to your organization, email us |
| If hospital employees can use humour effectively, you | | | | info@watershedtraining.ca. |
| too can use it in your work environment to reduce | | | | |