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How business partners get along sets the tone for the rest of the organization. When partners show respect, collaboration, caring and mutual support toward each other, they are setting an example and the expectation that others are to do the same.<\/strong><\/p>\n When they engage in sarcasm, micro-digs, and put downs with each other or their employees, they are also setting an example. It\u2019s with these behaviors that they are sabotaging the team work they want in their own business. They are undermining the culture of respect, collaboration, caring and mutual support that will make their business stronger and deliver great customer service to their customers.<\/p>\n Here are some examples of statements said in jest that are insults in disguise:<\/strong><\/p>\n Sarcasm couched in humor is a passive aggressive communication habit that undermines trust between individuals and trust is at the core of one\u2019s ability to get things done in organizations. Sarcasm and constant ribbing generate defensiveness and self-protection. People want to look good to their boss, certainly better than the next guy. That\u2019s why the micro-digs often sound like one-upmanship. Sarcasm is definitely a dominance thing\u2014it’s related to being top dog,<\/p>\n While sarcasm may be a polite version of criticism, it is a form of criticism that is usually accompanied by negative attitudes, such as disapproval, contempt, scorn and ridicule.<\/strong><\/p>\n So why do wisecrackers keep their micro-digs coming at the risk of alienating others? Though they may not be aware of it, sarcasm is their means of indirectly expressing aggression toward others and insecurity about themselves. Wrapping their thoughts in a joke shields them from the vulnerability that comes with directly putting one’s opinions out there. Sarcastic people protect themselves by only letting the world see a superficial part of who they are.<\/p>\n Sometimes I work with companies with a strong \u2018male macho\u2019 environment. I see the staff engage in constant ribbing. They are immune to the deeper meaning of what\u2019s really going on. Sometimes the business partners want to be considered likeable by their employees so they occasionally participate as well.<\/p>\n They don\u2019t realize that their participation is counter-productive to achieving their long term results. Rather than joining in as a follower, it would be better if they acted like a leader to help people relate to each other with respect, dignity, caring and support. The benefits would strengthen the partnership, attract and retain employees, lower everyone\u2019s stress, improve the customer experience and therefore, the profitability of the company.<\/p>\n\n
What can you as business partners do?<\/h2>\n
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