Monday Mornings with Madison

Monthly Archives:
June 2021

Sense of Humor and Success, Part 3

It is estimated that 55% of all communication is non-verbal body language. Then, 38% is tone of voice and 7% is the actual words we use. So a lot of what we “say” is being communicated in unintended ways. That is also the case with laughter. Humor plays a big part in our social dealings at work and serves as an unspoken – although definitely auditory – language between people. Do you know how to read the social cues of laughter? Here’s what you need to know about sense of humor, laughter and power.

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Sense of Humor and Success, Part 2

Humor plays a big part in our social dealings at work and home. It’s not only a lubricant in social relationships, it also serves as an unspoken – although definitely auditory – language between people. Being funny, in the right way, can create stronger bonds and help people rise in the ranks. But we laugh less and less as we get older. This is especially true at work because humor is tricky. It can be excessive and it can offend. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of humor and how much humor is appropriate at work. Here’s what you need to know about humor at work.

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Sense of Humor and Success, Part 1

It was Mark Twain who said “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardness yields, all our irritations and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes its place.” A sense of humor is invaluable in relationships. It has also been tied to intellect, attractiveness, and leadership ability. And it is certainly a prized skill. But what connection does humor have to success? It turns out being funny matters.

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Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable

It is human nature to want to be comfortable… to want to avoid discomfort and pain. In fact, it is so embedded in our disposition to seek comfort and stay comfortable that we’ve given it a name: “the comfort zone.” When we’re in the comfort zone, we feel confident and anxiety disappears because we can draw on past experiences… things that are well-known. Change, experimentation and new experiences, on the other hand, can cause hesitation and trepidation. No one wants to be uncomfortable, but it is something we should embrace from time to time.

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Overcoming the Positivity Paradox

There is a Positivity Movement sweeping the planet. This trend – prevalent especially on social media – urges people to “focus on the positive”, “exude positive energy” and “embrace a positive attitude”. Countless memes, posts, videos and articles promote positivity as the way to joy, happiness and success. The unsaid part of the message of positivity is to “ignore anything negative” and “be bubbly all the time”, even when depressed, stressed or upset. And, paradoxically, it often backfires and produces negativity instead. Why? Beware of the positivity paradox. Continue reading

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