TheLastLaugh
When it comes to training, there are always X factors you can’t fully control. Technology, of course, can be both solution and problem. Facilities face issues. Weather can act all weatherish.
And, of course, there’s the biggest X factor of all — people. No matter how much we’d all like be to perfect all the time, things go wrong.
Have a story to share for The Last Laugh? Reach out to us at lastlaugh@L-TEN.org and we’ll help you lighten up someone’s day.
Sometimes you just have to laugh about it. Now is one of those times. Even if Halloween just ended, let’s share a few horror stories.
This is definitely a no-names kind of tale — that’s usually the best kind. I’ll preface it by saying LTEN members are wonderful, responsible people who in no way resemble the subjects of this story.
Still, an LTEN member shared a story of events from earlier in their career, when teammates got a little too loose at a national sales meeting. How so?
Someone bought golf clubs and charged them to the company-paid room. (“He thought the company could afford golf clubs, so why not?”)
People showed up to the training in beachwear.
Class members were arrested for cavorting in the hotel fountain.
And a class member threw a TV off the balcony into the hotel pool.
“Details take the fun away,” they said. “Everyone fired.”
The moral is, always be on your best behavior. Even when you’re far from home.
Oh, and take it easy on the alcohol.
To be fair, most people aren’t problematic, acting professionally and representing their companies, industry and selves perfectly always. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun while walking the straight and narrow.
Sometimes, the fun starts before you leave the office. Specifically, when you’re getting ready to go.
Email is a great option for business communications, even when you’re not there. When we’re away — whether it be for business or pleasure — out of office messages have our back. Automated messages can be customized to our circumstances, letting our contacts know when to expect responses and other options for immediate needs.
Sounds routine, right? Usually yes, but not always for everyone. With Thanksgiving, Christmas and other family friendly holidays coming up, my LTEN colleagues have been collecting a few fun out-of-office messages that do more. You get a feel for the person here, and that deepens our connections.
For example:
“It’s wedding season! Yes, I’m off to 2 BIG HUGE INDIAN weddings across the globe. You might ask about the functions, the glamour, the dresses, the jewelry — but my main concern is what the purpose of your email is and can it wait?”
“I find myself currently adrift, enveloped in the tranquil splendor of the Upper Peninsula. From now until XXX, I shall dwell beyond the grasp of emails and calls, heeding the whispers of nature’s enigmatic secrets. I eagerly anticipate our paths converging anew, enriched and prepared to recommence our journey.”
“If this is urgent, first of all I’m flattered you thought of me, but the person you really want is XXX.”
If you’ve heard any fun ones, we’d love to hear about them. For now, I’ll leave you with one that you probably are better off not using:
“I am currently out of the office and expect to return on XXX. If you have any questions, remember you’re just inconveniencing me.”
Tim Sosbe is editorial director for LTEN. Email Tim at
tsosbe@L-TEN.org or connect through LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/timsosbe.
