I just got an email from a client comparing the fun level of our last meeting to a painful dental procedure. It was in jest, true, and followed by a big ol' sloppy paragraph of praise. But why undercut the praise at all?We've all heard about people who can't take a compliment, but what about people who can't give one? Now, I've been known to make a joke at someone else's expense from time to time - but with a few key differences:
- I usually make fun of people in person (not in a broadcast email to a bunch of people who weren't even at the meeting). I do this in the hope that the person I am skewering might rise to the bait, fire back with a witty retort, and much hilarity will ensue.
- My jokes are way better. Root canal? Come on!
What is the most memorable backhanded compliment you've received (or given) at work? Leave your story in the comments.
