Jack Herlocker
Nov 18, 2024

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You are correct! The boss of my boss did not get my humor (in a job 30 years ago). I did a project pitch to a potential client; my boss couldn’t make it, so her boss sat in. I had worked with these potential clients before on previous projects, so we were relaxed with each other and I littered the presentation with my usual offbeat humor. Afterward, I received an informal reprimand for poor use of humor (AFTER we got the contract) and I got mentions of “unprofessional humor” in my next TWO annual reviews.
Fortunately, I was good at what I did, and my boss made sure I never suffered any actual harm, but I was lucky. I would have served myself better if I had kept my humor suppressed. So your point, Naima, is spot on!

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Jack Herlocker
Jack Herlocker

Written by Jack Herlocker

Husband & retiree. Author. Former IT geek/developer. I fill what’s empty, empty what’s full, and scratch where it itches. Occasionally do weird & goofy things.

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