How to Improve a Bad Situation

You've angered your business partner over buying a Pink Tutu for the office. You're trying to make good on the situtation, but it seems things can't get back to normal. He won't open up to you like before. What do you do?

Beat him. Just kidding. The somewhat more serious answer: Make the dude:

Laugh!

Like seeking common interests, laughter connects two people emotionally -- according to Psychologist Dr. Robert Bovine.

Why Laughter

Laughter turns a blah! situation into a positively energetic atmosphere. When we work with our suppliers, and negotiations turn tense, we diffuse it by making people laugh. It clears the negative emotions, and helps both parties make rational decisions. Laughter also works effectively when you're having the "hard talks" with your workers.

"Bob, I don't like how you did this."

...never makes anybody happy -- no matter how nice you try to be. Laughter, then, brings a sense of "I'm-still-on-your side" goodness to the situation. It's one of the secret sweet sauces we use in our company. When things go weird, remember:

Laughter rocks.

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