#14. Telling an inappropriate story or joke!
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Now, for our second to last common mistake leaders make. We all know how important it is to our continued employment to be sure we are politically correct in our speeches and actions. I would like to address this issue from a commmunications viewpoint. It is important to realize that if you tell a joke or story that offends people they begin what we call an internal dialogue. This means they are talking to themselves. They may be saying, "Why did they have to say it that way? Don't they know that isn't acceptable here?" or "I wish they hadn't said that." Regardless of what they are saying, they certainly aren't listening to the safety meeting anymore.
It gets worse! Now, they think less of the presenter and along with it the presenter's message. In safety, we can't afford to have our message diminished. How do you know these days what's appropriate? My basic rule is if my mind causes me to wonder if something is inappropriate
then I choose to use something else.
John Drebinger
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