This quote is great for those of us who use sarcasm with those who understand our sense of humor.

#favoritequoteonsarcasm #oscarelevant #favoritequotes

Oscar Levant’s quote conveys different messages to us.  The first time I saw it, I started to laugh.  It was funny to me.  Other’s have taken the quote personally and think that they are being judged for using sarcasm.  Full disclosure here – I am a sarcastic person.  It works with certain people in a positive way and it backfires to those who don’t understand my humor.  I’m glad to say that my “sharp tongue” is under control most of the time! 😉

Sarcasm – Is it good or bad?

The answer is – it depends.

I have tough conversations with clients in my audience who tell me not to attempt to change the sarcastic culture on their team.  Interviewing team members is how I personalize each training.  I share the patterns that interviewees share with me during the workshop.  The facts are obvious about sarcasm.  Some people feel bullied because having a “sharpened tongue” is not part of their personality.

We all react to sarcasm differently

This is where it gets interesting.  The sarcastic team members say that everyone needs to lighten or toughen up and stop being so sensitive.  I actually agree with part of their sentiment.  Everyone thinks that they know the culture of their team or department without taking into consideration that the silent ones wish others would not communicate so brutally.

The definition of sarcasm

Webster defines sarcasm as “A cutting remark intended to wound.  An act of bitterness and a biting quality.”  Ouch!
There are times when the discussion in the training session goes really well and team members understand what their colleagues told me during the interviews.  There are times when this does not happen and bullying continues.  Certain people are set in their ways and refuse to look at the whole picture.

Let’s get real

Are you sarcastic?  If so, do you know that there are times when this kind of communication could be seen as bullying?  Are you sensitive to sarcasm?  If so, could you realize that the remarks have little to do with you and only the way this person communicates?  Awareness is the key.  I take the elephant out of the room when I see someone not reacting well to my humor by admitting that the comment was sarcastic and it has nothing to do with the listener.  This usually works.

I want to hear from you

• Are you on a team where sarcasm is the norm?
• Do you think that sarcasm is accepted by the team?
• Are there team members who get picked on and no one does anything about this?
• What can you bring up at meetings if sarcasm is getting in the way of your team’s communication?

Please respond on the comment section of the blog.  Feel free to send me a private email HERE.

This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach

Have a great week.

Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”